Broome County Health Department Community-Wide Flu Clinic

BINGHAMTON, NY -The Broome County Health Department is hosting a community wide Flu Clinic to provide flu shots to residents ages 4 and up. This community-wide flu clinic will be held on Thursday, December 5, 2002 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.,or as long as vaccine supplies last. The clinic will take place at the Broome County Health Department, 225 Front Street, Binghamton, NY.

The flu season lasts from December through March and generally peaks in January and February, so getting the flu shot now can still provide protection. We encourage anyone in the community who wants to prevent the flu and has not gotten the flu shot, including individuals over fifty years of age or individuals of any age with chronic health problems, to come to this clinic.

Symptoms of the flu are similar to a cold, but begin more quickly and more severely. A person suffering with influenza will generally have a fever above 100 degrees, chills, a severe headache, muscle aches, a cough and sore throat. Individuals who have been exposed to the flu, or are beginning to experience symptoms, should call their medical provider and ask whether antiviral medications may be helpful. These medications can sometimes reduce the severity of the illness, if started within 48 hours of the beginning of the symptoms. Antibiotics are not effective against the flu.

Medicare Part B will pay for the flu shot. Individuals must present their Medicare Part B Card for Medicare reimbursement. All other people will be charged an $11.00 fee. There is plenty of free parking at the Health Department building, located at the corner of Front and Clinton Streets. Broome County Transit buses #7 and #8 stop at the Health Department. This is a walk-in clinic; no appointments will be taken.

It takes at least two weeks to build immunity after getting a flu shot, so take advantage of this upcoming flu clinic. For more information, please, call the Broome County Health Department Influenza Information Line at 607.778.3911, option 4.

CONTACT:
Diane O'Hora, Supervising Public Health Educator,
Broome County Health Department, 607.778.3921
email: dohora@co.broome.ny.us

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