Flu Immunizations - Disease Control, Department of Public Health, Riverside County

Influenza or "flu" is an infection of the respiratory tract that can affect millions of people every year. It is highly contagious and occurs usually in Riverside County starting in mid-to-late December through early spring. Influenza is spread from person-to-person through mists or sprays of infectious respiratory secretions caused by coughing and sneezing. Influenza affects all age groups and causes moderate to severe illness, loss of school and work, and complications such as pneumonia, hospitalization, and death.

Children under 23 months of age and older adults over the age of 65 may suffer from serious complications related to influenza. Therefore, the Immunization Program provides free flu shots for high-risk individuals based on vaccine availability. Pneumonia and the Tetanus and Diphtheria Booster (TD) will also be offered.

High-Risk Groups Warranting Influenza Immunization

High-risk groups should receive the influenza vaccine because of increased risk for complications:

Those over age 65
Residents of chronic care facilities
Anyone known to have a chronic medical condition, i.e. asthma, lung or heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, blood disease or is immune compromised or suppressed.
Children receiving long-term treatment with aspirin
Pregnant women who will be beyond the first trimester of pregnancy (>14 weeks gestation) during the influenza season (pregnant women who have medical conditions which increase their risk for complications from influenza should be vaccinated before the influenza season regardless of the stage of pregnancy)

Those who present a transmission risk to high-risk individuals, including:

healthcare personnel
employees of chronic care facilities
providers of home care
household members

Flu Shots

Flu Vaccinations are based on availability and will only be give to individuals who are 60 years and older OR a person with a chronic medical condition (see High-Risk Groups above.)

• The Outreach Flu Clinics conducted by Disease Control have now concluded for the 07/08 flu season. If you are interested in receiving a flu shot, flu vaccinations are still available on a walk-in basis at Riverside County Family Care Centers during designated hours.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL
1-888-246-1215