Seasonal flu shots available for children, adults

Maricopans are certainly not immune to the effects of the seasonal flu. As the flu season begins, more children are being sent home from school with flu-like symptoms, more adults are missing work and over-the-counter flu remedies are flying off the shelves. However, flu shots are now available for both adults and children.

The Pinal County Public Health Services District will begin providing flu shots on Monday, Sept. 28, by appointment only, continuing through the end of October.

A press release issued in August indicated that Public Health only had the adult flu vaccine. However, the vaccine for children and teens has arrived in time to be given at the same times as the adult flu shots. Adults are encouraged to bring their children to the appointment so that both parent and child can receive the vaccine.

To schedule appointments for adults, please 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 seasonal flu vaccine,” said Tom Schryer, Pinal County Public Health Director. “Health officials across the country are recommending that adults and children get the seasonal flu shot this year.”

Flu shots through the Pinal County Public Health Services District are just $15 for adults, a bargain compared to the cost of cold and flu medicines or trips to the doctor’s office and missed work. Flu vaccine is free for children, and no appointment is necessary.

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 after Oct. 17:

Maricopa – Mobile Health Clinic at 44625 West Garvey Avenue – Wednesdays 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Stanfield – 36711 West Papago Drive – 2nd and 4th Wednesdays 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Please be advised, all Pinal County Public Health Services District clinics will be closed Monday, October 12, Tuesday, November 3, Wednesday, November 11 and Thursday, November 26.

To reduce that 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.

Pinal County maintains and updates its website with all the latest information to keep you informed on Public Health and other important information. Visit www.pinalcountyaz.gov/ to stay informed.

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