Due to the increased severity of influenza this season, the Frederick County Health Department (FCHD) will host an additional free flu vaccination clinic for children ages 6 months to 17 years on Saturday, February 3, 2018. Only the injectable (the shot) vaccine will be available. The clinic will be held at the health department, 350 Montevue Lane, Frederick MD, from 10:00am to 1:00pm. Flu vaccinations will be available on a walk-in basis, no appointment necessary.
Important information for Parents or Guardians:
Children 17 years of age and younger must be accompanied by an adult 18 years of age and older.
If parent or guardian will not be bringing their child, they must send a written note giving the individual bringing the child authorization to have the child vaccinated.
All vaccinated children are required to remain at the clinic for 15 minutes after vaccination.
FCHD does not have flu vaccine available for adults 18 years of age and older. Adults are advised to contact their healthcare provider or obtain a flu vaccine at one of the many locations in the community such as pharmacies and grocery stores. Visit https://vaccinefinder.org/ to find flu vaccinations in your zip code.
Influenza-like illnesses continue to be at the highest reported intensity with documented influenza cases widespread throughout our area and the rest of Maryland. Getting your flu vaccine is the best way to prevent getting the flu and possible complications from flu. Symptoms of the flu usually start suddenly and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle aches, headache, and fatigue.
People most susceptible to the flu and its complications include:
Children younger than 5 years of age
People 65 years of age and older
Pregnant women
People with health issues such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease
People who take medication that weaken the immune system such as chemotherapy
If you have the flu or to prevent from getting the flu, you should:
Stay home from school or work if you are sick until you are free of a fever for 24 hours without taking medication to lower the fever
Contact your healthcare provider to discuss if anti-viral medication is right for you, and call your healthcare provider before going to the office as they may give you special instructions
Cover your cough and sneeze with your arm or use a tissue and wash your hands
If you are currently healthy, you can protect yourself if you:
Get vaccinated!
Avoid being around sick people
Wash your hands with soap and water. If not available, use a hand sanitizer
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
Additional information about flu can be found at the Frederick County Health Department’s flu website http://frederickcountymd.gov/flu or by calling 301-600-3035, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website www.cdc.gov/flu.