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 this year. County Executive Hein received his flu vaccination yesterday at the Ulster County Office Building to demonstrate the importance of preventing the spread of the flu. The County Executive received his flu shot alongside dozens of County Employees as part of a new County Policy recently passed by the legislature and signed by the Executive, to provide flu shots annually to Ulster County Employees.
“The flu season is upon us and a simple vaccination can be an essential preventative health measure to avoid getting and spreading 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 of getting the flu and spreading it to others. I also want to especially thank Legislator Peter Loughran for bringing forth legislation to further ensure a healthy workforce by providing convenient access to these critical flu shots for our employees.”
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.
Information regarding sites, dates, and times for public flu clinics can be found on the Ulster County website www.UlsterCountyNY.gov and appointments are not necessary. For more information, call the Ulster County Department of Health Flu Hotline at 845-340-3093 or visit http://ulstercountyny.gov/sites/default/files/Flu%20Schedule%202016.pdf. Additional information about the flu can also be found by visiting: https://www.health.ny.gov/flu or www.cdc.gov/flu.
