Kingston, NY – County Executive Mike Hein announces that the Ulster County Department of Health (UCDOH) will hold its annual flu clinics at several locations throughout Ulster County. County Executive Hein received his flu vaccination today at the clinic in Hurley to demonstrate the importance of preventing the flu. Information regarding sites, dates, and times can be found on the Ulster County website www.UlsterCountyNY.gov and appointments are not necessary.
“The flu season is upon us and a flu vaccination is an essential preventative health measure to avoid this unnecessary illness,” said County Executive Mike Hein. “I invite residents to attend one of the many flu clinics offered around the County by the Ulster County Department of Health. A flu vaccination is the best way to reduce the chances that you will get the seasonal flu and spread it to others.”
Dr. Carol Smith, Ulster County Commissioner of Health
“Influenza is a serious disease that can be averted with a timely vaccination,” said Dr. Carol Smith, Ulster County Commissioner of Health. “In addition to getting vaccinated, other preventative actions may be taken such as washing your hands to reduce the spread of germs and covering your cough. If you are sick with the flu, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading influenza to others.”
Influenza is a contagious disease and can include symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, sore throat, runny nose and body aches. The flu virus can be much more detrimental for older adults, young children, and people who have certain chronic diseases making recovery more difficult. Flu viruses can spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing by someone with influenza, as wells as touching a surface or object that contains flu viruses and then touching your mouth or nose.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends annual vaccinations for everyone, 6 months of age and older. The seasonal flu vaccine is designed to protect against the main flu viruses that research suggests will cause the most illness during the upcoming flu season and those immunized last year are NOT protected against this year’s virus. Children between 6 months and 8 years of age may need two doses of flu vaccine to be fully protected from the flu and a doctor or healthcare professional can advise you if that is the case.
For more information, call the Ulster County Department of Health Flu Hotline at 845-340-3093 or visit http://ulstercountyny.gov/sites/default/files/DOH%20Flu%20Clinic%20Schedule%20091715%20B.pdf. Additional information about the flu can also be found by visiting: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/influenza/seasonal or www.cdc.gov/flu.
Pictured below:County Executive Hein receiving Flu Shot, Dr. Carol Smith, Commissioner of Health
