McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) joins the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in encouraging an annual flu shot for everyone six months and older as the best protection against influenza.
Appointments for mercury-free shots for adults and children nine years and older can be made online at www.mcdh.info or by calling (815) 334-4510. The cost is $30; Medicaid and Medicare Part B accepted.
MCDH flu clinics are scheduled in Sept. on the following dates/locations (walk-ins are welcomed):
• Woodstock: MCDH (Building A) Office–Thursday, Sept. 27, 4 p.m. yo 6 p.m;
• Crystal Lake: MCDH (Health Clinic) Office–Saturday, Sept. 29, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Flu is a serious and contagious illness–even healthy people can get it. As the flu season is long and unpredictable, the CDC recommends getting a flu shot before flu season begins as it takes two weeks for antibodies to develop to provide protection.
A flu shot protects not only you but those around you like pregnant women, young children, people with chronic health conditions (like asthma, diabetes, heart disease) and people 65 and older who are especially at risk for complications from the flu.
Simple ways to protect yourself also include covering your cough, washing your hands and staying home when sick. For more flu information, visit www.mcdh.info.