Frederick County Health Department to Offer Flu Vaccine

The Frederick County Health Department has received a partial shipment of flu vaccine and will begin offering flu vaccinations. We are disappointed that there is not enough flu vaccine available to provide it to everyone who wants one. The Health Department will comply with the guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and supported by the Maryland State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, which limits the administration of vaccine to high-risk individuals. Consistent with these guidelines, the Health Department will begin offering vaccinations to two groups of individuals.

First, flu vaccine will be provided to residents of Frederick County Long-Term Care Facilities.

Second, flu vaccine will be administered to children ages 6 months to 23 months and children 2 to 18 years of age with a chronic medical condition beginning the week of October 25 th. Vaccine will be administered by appointment only, to avoid the need to stand in line - proof of the child’s age and verification of a chronic medical condition for children 2 to 18 years is required. To schedule an appointment for a child who meets these criteria call 301- 631-3342. Vaccines will only be provided to children with appointments. Please do not bring your child to the health department for a flu vaccine without an appointment. It is important to keep your appointment and come prepared with proof of child’s age and proof of child’s chronic medical condition for children 2 to 18 years of age (note from child’s healthcare provider).

Since flu vaccine continues to be limited, the Health Department encourages parents/guardians to first contact their child’s healthcare provider to obtain a flu vaccine. As a reminder, everyone can help prevent the spread of the flu and colds by following some simple precautions.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze – and dispose of the tissue afterward.
• If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve.
• Wash your hands after you cough or sneeze – with soap and warm water, or an alcohol-based hand cleanser.
• If you get the flu, stay home from work or school. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

The Health Department continues efforts to obtain FluMist, which can be given to healthy individuals 5 to 49 years of age. To better meet your needs we will continue to work with the State of Maryland and CDC to locate any remaining vaccine.

For additional information about the availability of flu vaccine/FluMist call the health department information line at 301-631-3035 or visit www.frederickhealth.org.

Press Release: October 18, 2004 – 4:00pm