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December 1, 2008

What:

Free flu vaccinations will be provided at the county´s first ever drive-through clinic in Richmond. The clinic is also serving as a drill for Contra Costa Health Services and other county and city agencies to practice alternative methods of dispensing medication or vaccine during a health emergency.

When:

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, December 6

Where:

Hilltop Mall, JCPenney Parking Lot D, 2200 Hilltop Mall Road, Richmond

Who:

All are welcome. Everyone older than 6 months should receive the flu vaccine. Women who are pregnant and people who are over 50 or have a chronic disease of the heart, lung or liver should get the shot. The nasal spray is a good alternative for healthy people who don´t like shots and are ages 2 to 49 and not pregnant. People with egg allergies shouldn´t get the flu vaccine because it contains egg products.

Why:

The flu kills about 36,000 people annually in the United States, but people can help protect themselves by getting vaccinated. This is the first year that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends children ages 6 to 18 receive the flu vaccine because the illness spreads rapidly in school-age children. This age group also frequently comes into contact with people who are most at risk of suffering complications of the flu, such as younger siblings and grandparents.

For more information about seasonal flu or the drive-through clinic, visit cchealth.org

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