The St. Clair County Health Department is recommending residents get their flu vaccination. Michigan has already reached regional levels of reported flu activity. The CDC reports that flu activity is greatly increasing around the country. Most flu activity is being caused by influenza B/Victoria viruses, which is unusual for this time of year. A/H1N1 viruses are the second most common strains.
Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every year. Antibodies can take two weeks to develop and provide protection against flu.
Contrary to comments often heard, it is impossible to get influenza from the flu vaccine. The vaccine is the best way of protecting yourself and those around you from the flu.
The St. Clair County Health Department has a variety of flu vaccines to meet everyone’s needs (while supplies last). Most insurance is accepted and flu vaccines are typically a covered benefit. For those uninsured or underinsured, cost will vary based on income eligibility and family size.
Vaccines are available on a walk-in basis Mondays from 10:00am-6:00pm; or by appointment Tuesday through Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm, at the Main Office, 3415 28th Street, Port Huron, (810) 987-5300. Those 10-21 years of age can visit Teen Health, 2215 Court Street, Port Huron, by appointment (810) 987-1311.
To learn more about the flu visit www.scchealth.co or www.beattheflu.org.
—Dr. Annette Mercatante, Medical Health Officer, St. Clair County Health Department
