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Get vaccinated against the flu. Not too early, but not too late. October, for Carroll County, is the highlight of the vaccination.
This is the message from the Carroll County Health Department for the 2018-2019 influenza season, according to Dr. Henry Taylor, Deputy Director of Health.
The influenza season can be very variable on any large area due to the evolution of virus strains, movements of people and different ways in which different demographics respond to the disease, he said. For example, national organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tend to recommend that people get the flu as soon as it is available, but before the end of October.
According to Taylor, influenza season data over the past few years have allowed Carroll County health officials to make more specific recommendations regarding the influenza season.
"When we look at our local data, we think they are really starting to take off in November, when it comes to increasing the rate of emergency room visits," he said. "By targeting October, we are trying to vaccinate people several weeks before the start of the flu season."
In recent years, Carroll County has also experienced a second flu outbreak associated with influenza B strains. Being vaccinated against the flu in October is also a good time to protect against the spring flu, he said.
Given the right time, from the protection point of view, flu shots from October, Taylor said the Department of Health and community partners would campaign for October to be influenza, especially in centers for.
Vaccinations will be available at the Seniors and Community Centers starting Oct. 9 at South Carroll Center and ending October 30 at Mount Airy.
Immunizations in Carroll County Public Schools will be held October 22-25, while the Department of Health will run clinics in November for children who do not attend school clinics.
Vaccines will also be available in pharmacies and through primary care providers, Taylor said, although pharmacies will only give vaccines to children 9 years and older.
Regarding the type of influenza vaccine, Tayler said the health department is recommending to most people to get the quadrivalent vaccine that protects against four different strains of the flu, although some people may find other thing.
"There are a number of smoke vaccines, including a high dose vaccine, and people should check with their health care provider if one of the others is better," he said. declared.
According to Taylor, the FluMist nasal spray vaccine is also back, but it will not be available at school vaccination clinics.
"There has been an efficiency problem over the past two years and they have reformulated it," he said. "The only reason we do not do it in schools is that the supply chain was not ready in time for us to get it and put it in the schools."
The FluMist vaccine will be available at health service clinics and many providers, but not at most pharmacies, Taylor said.
To learn more about influenza, to know where the vaccine is available, and to track any changes during the next influenza season, visit the Department of Health's flu page at cchd.maryland.gov/flu.
For non-influenza vaccinations, back at school, the health department will also hold a free clinic starting at 4 pm. at 6 pm Wednesday, at the 290 St. Center Health Center, Westminster.
Upcoming flu vaccination clinics
October 9th: 9 am-11am, South Carroll Senior and Community Center, 5928 Mineral Hill Road, Eldersburg
Oct. 11 9:00 pm, Westminster Center for Seniors and Communities, 125 Stoner Ave, Westminster
October 17: 9-11 am, Taneytown Senior and Community Center, 220 Roberts Mill Road, Taneytown
October 23: 9-11 am, North Carroll Senior and Community Center, 2328 Hanover Pike, Hampstead
October 30, 9-11 am Mount Airy Senior and Community Center, 703 Ridge Avenue, Mount Airy.
November 14th: 4pm to 6pm Carroll County Health Department, 290 S. Center St., Westminster
November 28th: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm Carroll County Health Department, 290 S. Center St., Westminster
410-857-3317
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