The flu vaccine is the best way to prevent the flu. A yearly flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older. The vaccine is extremely effective in preventing severe flu illness and can reduce the risk of hospitalization due to flu.
For Parents, Pregnant Women, and Caregivers
- Flu can be dangerous for children. Complications from flu include pneumonia, dehydration, sinus problems, and ear infections. Complications can lead to death.
- Parents and adults who supervise children under the age of 5 years of age should get a flu vaccine.
- The flu spreads mainly by droplets made when people with the virus cough, sneeze or talk. People with flu can spread it to others up to 6 feet away.
- Call your health care provider if your child develops flu symptoms, they may prescribe antiviral drugs, depending on the specific symptoms and circumstances.
- Pregnant women and women up to 2 weeks after the end of pregnancy are at high risk from the flu.
- The flu shot is safe and recommended during pregnancy.
- Pregnant women who get a flu vaccine are also helping to protect their babies from flu illness for the first several months after their birth when they are too young to get vaccinated.
For Individuals
- Be sure to get your flu shot before the end of October. Remember that it takes two weeks for the vaccine to offer full protection.
- MCPH Clinic has flu vaccine available.
- A flu shot is the first step to prevent influenza but you should also:
- Avoid close contact.
- Cover your mouth and nose.
- Clean your hands frequently, and use soap and water whenever possible.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Routinely clean frequently touched objects at work and home including doorknobs, keyboards, and phones to help remove germs.
- Stay home if you get sick. Germs spread easily at child care, school, and work, so it’s best to stay home when you’re not feeling well.
For Providers
- Promptly report hospitalizations due to flu, pediatric flu deaths, or any suspected outbreak due to flu to Mesa County Public Health at 970-254-4120.
- Offer flu vaccine to your patients and encourage patients to be vaccinated by the end of October.
- Stay up-to-date on community flu activity by reviewing real-time community flu data on our website, https://health.mesacounty.us/flu-meter.
Mesa County Public Health’s clinic offers the influenza vaccine and serves all patients regardless of ability to pay. Walk-ins welcome.
Flu Clinic Information (new date added)
- When: Saturday, October 26th from 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. (open to all ages)
- Where: 510 29 ½ Road
- What to bring: ID and insurance card
- Questions? Call 970-248-6900
To read more about the 2018-2019 flu season in Mesa County click here.