News Release CONTACT: Darlene Armacost, RN

Division of Nursing

301-631-3342

TTY: Use Maryland Relay

darmacost@fredco-md.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 27, 2005

Frederick County Health Department Announces First Flu Clinic

FREDERICK, MD – The Frederick County Health Department will hold a Flu Clinic on Saturday, October 15^th at the Frederick Senior Citizens Center – 1440 Taney Avenue, Frederick. This is a walk-in clinic – appointments will not be available. The clinic will open at 9am and remain open while supplies of vaccine last. The cost of a flu shot is $15.00 – cash or check, credit cards are not accepted. If you have a Medicare part B card please remember to bring it with you.

As required by the CDC, only individuals in high-risk categories are eligible to receive a flu shot at this clinic, which includes the following individuals:

• Children 6 – 23 months of age
• People 65 years of age or older
• Adults and children 2 years of age and older with lung or heart disorders including heart disease and asthma, chronic metabolic diseases (including diabetes), kidney diseases, blood disorders (such as sickle cell anemia), or weakened immune systems, including persons with HIV/AIDS
• Pregnant women
• Children and teenagers, 6 months to 18 years of age, who take aspirin daily
• Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities
• Household members and out-of-home caregivers of infants under the age of 6 months (children under the age of 6 months cannot be vaccinated)
• Healthcare workers who provide direct, hands-on care to patients

Vaccine is available to Frederick County residents only. Please be prepared to show proof of residency, age and chronic medical condition. This can include driver’s license, pay stub, utility bill, Medicare card, student ID, birth certificate, and healthcare provider’s note to verify chronic medical condition. Healthcare workers will be required to show their work ID.

(more)

Page Two

FluMist, the intranasal vaccine, will be available at this clinic for those individuals not eligible for a flu shot and who are between the ages of 5-49 years and are in good health. The FluMist vaccine cost is $17.00 and it is a good alternative when you cannot get a flu shot.

Pneumonia vaccine will be available for a cost of $24.00 and Tetanus vaccine will be available for a cost of $28.00. Dates and times of additional Flu Clinics will be made available as they are scheduled.

For additional information call the Flu Information Line at 301-631-3035 or visit the Frederick County Health Department website at www.frederickhealth.org.

###