HEALTH DISTRICT SCHEDULES FREE FLU VACCINE CLINIC
The Pittsylvania-Danville Health District will offer free seasonal flu vaccine at a special clinic on Friday, February 3, from 2 – 4 p.m. at the Ballou Park Recreation Center located at 760 West Main St., Danville.
A limited supply of free influenza vaccine will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for everyone ages 6 months and older.
The purpose of this exercise is to simulate a mass vaccination event in which the health department and local agencies would work together so community members could be vaccinated efficiently during a time of emergency. An example would be a worldwide outbreak of influenza - also known as an influenza pandemic. This vaccine is provided by the Virginia Department of Health, Office of Emergency Preparedness.
“We’ve already documented cases of influenza this season in the area, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Virginia Department of Health recommend vaccination each year for everyone 6 months and older,” said Scott J. Spillmann, MD, MPH, director, Pittsylvania-Danville Health District. “Vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza and its potentially severe complications.”
“The timing and duration of flu seasons vary. Since they can occur from early fall to late spring, residents should take advantage of this opportunity to get vaccinated,” said Julia Gwaltney, RN, nurse manager for the Pittsylvania-Danville Health District. “It takes up to two weeks to develop the vaccine’s full protection.”
“In the commonwealth of Virginia, the flu season typically peaks in early January and continues through March. Getting a flu shot in January or February will help safeguard Virginia residents from the nuisance of influenza and the potentially life-threatening complications it causes,” said Chris Andrews, MPH, epidemiologist for the Pittsylvania-Danville Health District. “I would encourage everyone who is eligible to get a flu shot to protect yourself and others.”
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