If you haven’t had your flu shot, it’s not too late

Pinal County Public Health Services is continuing to provide flu shots for $15, which is a bargain compared to the cost of cold and flu medicines or trips to the doctor’s office.

For your convenience, no appointment is necessary. Just come in to any of these local clinics during listed business hours:

Casa Grande – Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays: 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Stanfield – Second and fourth Tuesdays: 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Maricopa (Mobile Health Clinic) – Wednesdays: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

“It is a good strategy to get vaccinated as early as possible, although, given that the flu season tends to peak later in the winter, there is still time to get vaccinated,” says Tom Schryer, Director for Pinal County Public Health Services District.

Pinal County Public Health District is also offering kids’ immunizations free of charge. No appointment is needed, and no child will be denied immunizations.

Most years flu season does not peak until February, and higher-than-usual flu rates may continue into May. Health officials stress that the single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get a flu vaccination each year.

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. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

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.