Delco Council Urges Residents to Get Flu Shots; Free Walk-In Clinic on Friday at Ridley YMCA

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Vaccination
Photo courtesy of the University of California at San Francisco.

No one can predict the timing, severity, or duration of each year’s flu season. But just like a sneeze, you know it’s coming, and the best way to prepare for it is by getting immunized.

Delaware County Council and the Department of Intercommunity Health Coordination (ICH) are announcing several flu prevention initiatives for the 2016-17 season, including a free walk-in clinic from 10 AM-2 PM at the Ridley YMCA on South Avenue in Secane.

“As we say every year, the best way to prevent getting the flu, or spreading it to your co-workers and family members, is to get immunized,” said County Councilman Dave White. “You can see from all of the signs at local pharmacies and clinics that flu vaccinations are now available. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends people get the flu vaccination in October, if possible.”

The 2015 flu season was particularly difficult and deadly, with the CDC reporting disappointing results from the vaccination. It is hoped that this year’s vaccine is more effective against various strains of influenza.

Also new this year is the CDC’s recommendation to get only the injection and not the nasal spray.

Delaware County’s Flu Awareness Campaign aims to make it as convenient as possible for people to learn how to prevent the flu:

  • Awareness: Influenza information and recommendations are posted on the website at www.co.delaware.pa.us. Information includes a fact sheet about the flu, the types of vaccinations, CDC recommendations, flu symptoms, and treatment.
  • Flu clinic information: Also on the website, the Department of Intercommunity Health makes available a calendar of flu clinics offered throughout the county. The clinics are listed by date and community.
  • Walk-in clinic on Oct. 14: All residents, ages 3 and older who have not gotten a flu shot this season, are invited to attend the clinic. It will be staffed by medical professionals and workers from the County Department of Intercommunity Health, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Delaware County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), and Delaware County Community College School of Nursing. Nonperishable food items will also be collected for the County’s annual food drive collection.
  • Senior Citizens: Senior citizens are among the groups hardest hit by the flu. Several Senior Centers in Delaware County will hold flu clinics for their members. Interested seniors should call the Senior Center to ask about insurance and requirements to register.

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