FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 22, 2007
DHEC Kershaw County public health department to give flu shots by appointment only
SUMTER – Flu vaccine appointments are being scheduled at the Kershaw County Public Health Department, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control announced today.
“In an effort to better serve our citizens we will be administering influenza vaccine in our county public health departments by appointment only,” said Ashley Tallon, immunization program manager for DHEC Region 4, which includes Kershaw County. “We have plenty of flu vaccine this year, and encourage everyone to call for an appointment.”
To schedule an appointment call the health department at (803) 425-6012, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The cost is $25. Please wear a short-sleeved shirt when you come to your appointment and, if you have one, bring your Medicaid or Medicare Part B card with you.
While the vaccination is available to anyone who wants to reduce his/her chances of getting the flu, there are some groups of people for whom it is highly recommended:
- Anyone 50 years of age or older,
- Children aged 6 months until their 5th birthday,
- Residents of nursing homes and other facilities that provide care for the chronically ill,
- Anyone who is a household contact or caregiver to children under 6 months old,
- Children and adults who have chronic disorders such as asthma or other pulmonary or cardiovascular conditions,
- Children and adults who require regular medical follow up or hospitalization during the year because of chronic metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus,
- Children and teenagers who are on long term aspirin therapy,
- Women who will be in the 2nd or 3rd term of pregnancy at the start of flu season,
- People such as health care providers, caregivers or family members who could transmit the flu virus to those at risk, and
- Travelers to some foreign countries, depending on the time of year and risk group,
The Kershaw County Public Health Department is located at 1116 Church Street in Camden. For more information about influenza, visit DHEC’s Web site at http://www.scdhec.gov/flu/.
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For further information:
Missy Reese – (803) 934-2890
E-mail – reesemb@dhec.sc.gov
Cell – (803) 983-9095