Adult flu shot scheduling begins Sept. 8

The Pinal County Public Health Services District will begin providing flu shots to adults on Monday, Sept. 28, by appointment only.

For your convenience, and to ensure short wait times, health services will begin scheduling appointments starting Tuesday, Sept. 8, and continuing through the end of October. To schedule appointments for adults, call toll free 1-888-431-1311, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

“This is not the H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine, which is not yet available. This is the adult dosage of the seasonal flu vaccine,” said Tom Schryer, Pinal County Public Health Director. “Health officials across the country are recommending the seasonal flu shot this year.”

Flu shots through the Pinal County Public Health Services District are just $15, a bargain compared to the cost of cold and flu medicines or trips to the doctor’s office and missed work.

If you are unable to schedule an appointment, the opportunity to receive a flu shot as a “walk-in” will be available on the following days and locations after Oct.17, 2008:

Stanfield – 36711 West Papago Drive – 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Maricopa – Mobile Health Clinic at 44625 West Garvey Avenue – Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

All Pinal County Public Health Services District clinics will be closed Monday, Oct.12, Tuesday, Nov. 3, Wednesday, Nov. 11, and Thursday, Nov. 26, to observe various holidays.

The Pinal County Public Health Services District has not received any flu vaccines for children yet. Upon receipt, children can receive a flu shot without an appointment at their local Pinal County Public Health clinic. That information will be posted on the toll free Pinal County Information Hotline toll at 1-866-763-7252, as it becomes available.

In order to reduce the chance of catching the flu this season, the Public Health Department recommends frequent hand washing, using soap and warm water for 30 seconds. If you do become ill, it is important to stay home to help prevent spreading the illness to others. For more information on influenza and vaccinations, please call the Health District hotline at 1-866-763-7252.

File photo