The Charles County Department of Health has been notified of a delay in the availability of the FluMist®. Doses ordered for the Charles County school program have been received and children with parental permission will receive the FluMist® administration without delay. Additional FluMist® doses are expected to arrive in December.
The alternative to the FluMist® (nasal spray) is an injectable flu vaccine. The Charles County Department of Health will offer flu shots at upcoming community clinics throughout the county making vaccinations more convenient.
“The single best way to avoid the flu is to get the flu vaccine. In addition, you can take everyday preventive steps like staying away from sick people and washing your hands to reduce the spread of germs. If you are sick with the flu, stay home from work or school to prevent spreading influenza to others,” says Dr. Dianna Abney, health officer for Charles County.
The Center for Disease Control says, “A dose of flu vaccine is recommended every flu season. There are many flu viruses, and they are always changing. Each year a new flu vaccine is made to protect against three or four viruses that are likely to cause disease in the upcoming flu season. But even when the vaccine doesn’t exactly match these viruses, it may still provide some protection.”
For more information and to view upcoming flu clinics visit, www.CharlesCountyHealth.org or call 301-609-6900.