The Fresno County Department of Public Health has scheduled its 2009 seasonal flu

vaccination clinics at various urban and rural locations throughout the county.

Seasonal flu vaccine provides protection from those virus strains which typically circulate in this hemisphere from October through March. Seasonal flu vaccine does not provide protection against the Pandemic Flu H1N1 virus.

Pandemic Flu H1N1 vaccine shipments are expected later this year but a definite time frame has not yet been established.In accordance with federal and state recommendations, the following populations should receive seasonal flu vaccination:

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All children aged 6 months to 18 years;

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Women who are pregnant during the flu season;

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Persons aged 50 years or older;

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Persons of any age with chronic medical conditions;

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Household contacts and caregivers of:

o

children from birth up to 5 years of age

o

persons 50 years of age and older

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persons with medical conditions that put them at higher risk for complications

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Health-care personnel

Residents should contact their health care provider regarding seasonal flu vaccination.

Dates, times, and locations for the department’s seasonal flu vaccination clinics are

available by calling the toll-free Influenza Information Line at 888.993.3003 or by visiting

the department’s website at www.fcdph.org/flu.

Seasonal flu vaccination opportunities are also available at flu vaccine events held in local

retail stores and pharmacies. Links are available at www.fcdph.org/flu.

For “Say NO 2 Flu” and “Don’t Let the Flu Catch You” brochures or for more information,

residents can visit www.fcdph.org/flu or call the Immunization Program at 559.445.3550.

Related link:

FresnoStateNews Flu Central