SEASONAL FLU VACCINES AVAILABLE AT MULTIPLE LOCATIONS ON NW OREGON COAST

Flu season is approaching again, and various local outlets have vaccine available.

Receiving a flu shot greatly increases your chance of avoiding influenza and Preventing its spread. Each year seasonal flu results in more than 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths.

The following providers are offering vaccine:

· Fred Meyer, Warrenton Injectable seasonal vaccine for ages 15 years and up. $25, walk-ins welcome.

· Holladay Drug, Seaside call for vaccine availability.

· Rite Aid, Warrenton Injectable seasonal vaccine, Mondays and Tuesdays 1-5 p.m. for ages 18 and older. $24.99

· Rite Aid, Seaside Injectable seasonal vaccine on Friday, Sept. 24, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. for ages 18 and older. $24.99

· Safeway, Seaside Injectable seasonal vaccine every Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. for ages 16 and up. $28

· Safeway, Astoria Injectable seasonal vaccine by appointment only for ages 16 and up. $28.

· Walgreens, Warrenton Injectable seasonal vaccine for ages 15 and up. $29.99

Rite Aid and Safeway stores also have the new “High Dose” seasonal vaccine for ages 65 and older for those whose doctors consider them high-risk medically.

The Clatsop County Public Health Department at 820 Exchange, Astoria also has limited supplies of injectable seasonal vaccine for ages 6 months and up, and FluMist nasal spray for children 2 to 18 years without certain medical conditions. Cost is $30 and insurance can be billed. Call (503) 325-8500 for more information.

Influenza is a respiratory illness that is most commonly spread through coughing and sneezing. For that reason, people are urged to follow these practices:

· Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw the tissue away.

· Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

· Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

· Try to avoid contact with sick people.

Those who do contract the flu are urged to remain home for seven days, and at least 24 hours after the last symptoms disappear, to reduce the risk of spreading the illness at work or school.

For most people, flu symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue, as well as diarrhea and vomiting in more severe cases. In most cases the illness requires only bed rest, liquids and other normal flu treatment.