PPH flu shot clinic comes to Ramona Nov. 3

Annual flu shots available for $20

Palomar Pomerado Health (PPH) will bring its flu shot clinic to the Ramona Community Center from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 3.

PPH nurses will provide the influenza vaccine by injection to persons 18 years of age and older.

“The best ways to avoid becoming infected with the virus is to get an annual vaccination, always wash hands thoroughly, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, which are entry points for germs,” says Luanne Arangio-Law, R.N., M.Ed., PPH community health nurse supervisor. “The 2011 vaccine protects against seasonal flu virus as well as an H1N1-like virus. It takes up to two weeks for protection to develop following the vaccination, and protection lasts six months to one year.”

Typical flu symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and muscle aches. Unlike a cold, flu symptoms can come on suddenly, are more severe, and can be life-threatening.

The cost to receive a flu shot through a PPH community clinic is $20 per person. Payment is accepted by cash or check. The shot is free to those with Medicare. Participants must bring their Medicare card and photo identification to the clinic.

Who should get a flu shot?

While everyone who is 6 months or older can benefit from the protection of a flu shot, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that the following people be among the first to get vaccinated because they are at higher risk of flu complications:

•People 50 years or older

•People of any age who have heart disease, lung disease (such as asthma, emphysema or chronic bronchitis), diabetes, HIV, blood disorders, kidney disease or anyone with a weakened immune system

•Children age 6 months and older

•Pregnant women

•People who live in nursing homes or assisted living facilities

•People who have health problems that make it difficult to breathe or swallow

•Healthcare providers as well as caregivers who live with or care for anyone listed above

A list of other scheduled clinics open to the public, with information about the flu, is at www.pph.org/flu.