Flu season is just around the corner and local hospitals, pharmacies and health officials have already started their push to encourage residents to get vaccinated. According to Carroll County Public Health Director, Marcia Schaefer, October is generally when most flu shots are administered, but that is no longer early enough.
Data from the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) shows influenza activity begins to pick up near the middle of October and spikes in December. It takes approximately two weeks for immune systems to develop antibodies from the vaccination, so it is important to get the flu shot before flu seasons arrives. Schaefer says everybody should consider getting a flu shot, particularly children and seniors.
Schaefer adds in addition to protecting yourself and your family, getting a flu shot helps protect individuals who are unable to receive one. She says it is almost always affordable and is covered by most forms of insurance.
Public health officials also travel to all the schools in the county and host clinics for staff, students and their families. They will even visit your place of employment. To schedule a visit from Carroll County Public Health, call 712-794-5400. Links with more information about flu vaccinations can be found included with this story on our website.
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