Delaware County Council and the Department of Intercommunity Health announced the 2019 Public Flu Shot Clinic during its Sept. 25 council meeting.
The intensity and severity of flu seasons are difficult to predict and the effectiveness of the flu vaccine is dependent on many variables. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found immunization reduces the risk of flu illness by 40-60 percent during seasons when most circulating flu viruses are well-matched to the flu vaccine.
Receiving a flu shot is the first and most important step in preventing the flu and decreasing the risk of severe flu-related illnesses. Each year, 200,000 people in the United States are hospitalized due to complications from the flu. The CDC recommends that everyone six months and older should get vaccinated against the flu.
Recently, federal officials announced that 70 million flu shots are being delayed. The delay is due to a reformulation of the flu shots. There are two different strains that are new in the vaccine this year, so last year’s immunization isn’t effective this season.
“Medical experts suggest the delay could actually help rather than hinder vaccinations for this year’s influenza season,” said Dr. George Avetian, Delaware County’s Senior Medical Advisor. “The CDC stated that the vaccine updates will better match the circulating viruses this season.”
Due to the delay, early supplies are limited. Delaware County was able to secure enough for a public flu shot clinic in October and plans to add more clinics when more doses become available.
This year’s public flu shot clinic will be held on Oct. 9 from 10:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. at the Broomall Fire Station. County Council and the County’s Department of Intercommunity Health want to make it as convenient as possible for people to get vaccinated. The drive-through makes it more convenient for our older residents, those with disabilities and also parents with small children.
County Council urges all residents to get their annual flu shot, which is the best way to protect yourself, your family, friends and your co-workers from getting sick.