September 17, 2009

The Oswego County Health Department will hold its first seasonal flu clinic on Monday, September 21, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Nick Sterio Public Health Clinic on Bunner Street in Oswego. The next flu clinics are scheduled for Wednesday, September 30 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the H. Douglas Barclay Courthouse on Bridge Street in Pulaski; and from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Nick Sterio Public Health Clinic on Bunner Street in Oswego.

Both flu and pneumonia vaccines will be available at the clinics. The flu shot provides protection against the seasonal flu only. Additional clinics will be scheduled for the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccination when the vaccine becomes available at a later date.

Flu and pneumonia shots will be given by appointment only. Residents can call the Oswego County Health Department at 349-3547 or 1-800-596-3211 ext. 3547, between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, to schedule an appointment. Online registration will be available for future clinics at a later date.

There is a $35 charge for a flu shot and a $45 charge for a pneumonia shot; however, a sliding fee scale is also available.

“No one will be turned away due to their inability to pay,” said Oswego County Public Health Director Dr. Dennis Norfleet. “We are sympathetic to those hard hit by the economy this year and can provide eligible residents with free or reduced rate flu shots.”

People who are covered by Medicaid, Medicare Part B, or Managed Medicare must bring their cards to the clinic to avoid out-of-pocket expenses.

The clinics are open to anyone who wants to reduce their risk of flu or pneumonia. People in high risk groups are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated early, so they will be protected before the flu season peaks.

To help prevent the spread of flu, the Oswego County Health Department advises people to:

• Wash your hands often
  
  
• Cover your mouth and nose with tissues when you sneeze and cough
  
  
• Stay away from crowds when you are sick and when there is flu in the community
  
  
• Keep sick children home from school
  
  
• Adults should not go to work when they are sick
  
  
• People should not visit hospitals and nursing homes if they have flu and cold symptoms

For information, call the Oswego County Health Department at 349-3547 or 1-800-596-3200, ext. 3547, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.