Health dept. has flu shots

Sep. 4, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- The Jackson County Health Department will begin providing seasonal flu shots on Sept. 18, at the main facility on the corner of 4th Street and 5th Avenue in Marianna.

Seasonal flu shots are $35 and pneumonia shots are $45, according to a news release from the health department.

Flu vaccinations that are being offered at this time are for seasonal influenza, not H1N1 swine flu, the health department reported. TG Harkrider at the Jackson County Health Department said the H1N1 vaccine has not yet been distributed, and that no date for distribution of that vaccine has been announced as of yet. Cash, check, Visa, Mastercard or Medicare Part B will be accepted. Those with a Medicare card should bring it with them.

According to the health department, the top three reasons to get the seasonal flu vaccine are to prevent seasonal influenza-related death, to prevent severe illness, and to protect other people.

"In the U.S., influenza results in approximately 200,000 hospitalizations each year. Annually, over 36,000 people in the U.S. die from the flu, and most are age 65 or older. More people die from flu than from any other vaccine-preventable disease," the news release said.

The Florida Department of Health Bureau of Immunization offers materials available that promote the importance of flu vaccination at http://www.immunizeflorida.org/flu/index.htm.

Those wishing to make an appointment or who have questions may call 526-2412, or visit http://www.jacksonchd.org.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0302-37755032