By Staff
Staff Editorial
Franklin County Times
The Alabama Department of Public Health has provided statewide influenza immunization clinics throughout October since an annual flu vaccination is recommended for most people beginning at the age of 6 to protect against outbreaks that generally occur from November to March in Alabama.
"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that each year in the U.S. between 5 and 20 percent of the population is infected with influenza, about 36,000 people die and more than 200,000 are hospitalized because of influenza complications," said Dr. Donald Williamson, state health officer. "Contact your physician or local health department and be immunized to protect yourself and others."
The CDC recommends annual flu vaccines for children ages 6-18, including those on long-term aspirin therapy; adults ages 50 and older; adults and children with chronic disorders; women who will be pregnant during the flu season; residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities; people who immuno-suppressed; and health-care workers.
A flu immunization clinic will be offered Monday, Oct. 27 at the Franklin County Department of Health from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, contact the Franklin County DPH at 332-2700 or the state health department at 1-800-469-4599.