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News Release  Select a Previous news Release 07/15/05 Smoke Advisory 06/22/05 Obesity & Health 05/28/05 Biohazard Detection 05/19/05 Bike to Work 05/19/05 Bike to Work 05/17/05 Pet Control 05/02/05 Award to Ron Hammett 04/20/05 Forum on Aging 03/22/05 Air Quality Advisory 03/21/05 Air Quality Advisory 03/20/05 Air Quality Advisory 01/07/05 Block Heathers      For immediate release: Tues, Oct 4, 2005                 Contact:Mark Butler W343-4619, C240-3868  What To Do To Avoid The Flu? Flu Shots and Better Prevention The Anchorage Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is again offering influenza vaccinations for high-risk individuals in Anchorage. “It is October, and that means that it is time for residents of Anchorage to get their flu shots”, Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich said. “There is no shortage of vaccine this year.   Those who qualify as higher-risk should get their flu shot now, then others like myself will become eligible for vaccinations on October 24th.“  “Also, remember the five rules for preventing influenza infection, or in other words, What to Do to Avoid the Flu,”  Begich said. “Wash  your hands. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Cover your mouth and nose. And stay home when you are sick.” Following the federal Centers for Disease Control guidelines, the Health Department will vaccinate the following higher-risk individuals only during the next twenty days: Children aged 6 to 23 months Adults 65 and older Persons with underlying chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or asthma Women pregnant during the influenza season Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities Children aged 6 months to18 years on chronic aspirin therapy Health-care workers involved in direct patient care Out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children aged less than 6 months Marge Larson, the CEO of the American Lung Association of Alaska, spoke about the importance of young children receiving the flu shots, especially those with asthma and other respiratory conditions. She mentioned the Lung Association’s “flu clinic locator “(on their website at www.aklung.org) where people can type in their zip codes and receive a schedule of flu shot clinics near their location. Other Municipal Health Department flu shot clinics are scheduled to beheld for high-risk individuals: Wednesday, October 12th from 8:30AMto Noonat the DHHS General Clinic, at 825 L Streetin downtown Anchorage.  Saturday, October 22nd from 9 a.m. to Noon at the Chugiak Senior Center, at 22424 North Birchwood Loop in Chugiak. Flu vaccine will be available for high-risk individuals on a walk-in basis at the Municipality of Anchorage, Health and Human Services, General Clinic at 825 “L” Street starting tomorrow Wednesday October 5th at 1p.m.   The General Clinic is open for flu shots Mondays 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Fridays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Beginning October 24th, all persons will be eligible for vaccination. The cost of the Flu vaccine and administration is $10. No one will be denied vaccine for inability to pay the administrative fee. Medicare covers this fee for all its participants. Seniors are asked to bring their Medicare card with them to the clinic. .

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