Seasonal flu vaccine available Sept. 28 at VCHD

As fall gets into full swing, the threat of seasonal flu increases.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, seasonal flu activity is increasing in some areas, and each year, 5 to 20 percent of the population gets seasonal flu.

Spread from person to person mainly when infected individuals cough or sneeze, sometimes people become infected by touching an object with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

The CDC says the best defense against seasonal flu is an annual flu shot. The seasonal flu shot does not protect against the H1N1 flu.

Seasonal flu shots will be available at the Vernon County Health Department, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Sept. 28.

The health department has a limited supply of seasonal flu vaccine at this time and may receive additional vaccine in mid to late October, according to information provided by health department nurse Jeanne Baldwin.

At this time, the health department does not have any pediatric vaccine for children ages 6 months to 3 years, Baldwin does not expect the pediatric version to be available to them until mid October.

The Vernon County Health Department is located at 301 N. Washington, Nevada. Call (417) 667-7418 for information.