Montco Urges Flu Preparedness

As the 2012-13 flu season gears up, Montgomery County Health Department (MCHD) plans flu vaccine clinics throughout the county.

Flu shots are free for Montgomery County residents, and will be available while supplies last. Clinic dates and locations include:

• Saturday,  September 29, Upper Perkiomen High School, 2 Walt Road, Pennsburg
• Thursday, October 4, Norristown Public Library, 1001 Powell Street, Norristown
• Thursday, October 11, Congregation Beth Or, 239 Welsh Road, Maple Glen
• Saturday, October 13, Montgomery County Community College, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell
• Tuesday, October 16, Upper Merion Township Building, 175 West Valley Forge Road, King of Prussia
• Saturday, October 20, Abington Junior High School, 2056 Susquehanna Road, Abington
• Friday, October 26, Sunnybrook Ballroom, 50 Sunnybrook Road, Pottstown

Clinics are from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., except at Upper Merion, which is from 3 to 6 p.m. Medicare-eligible residents should bring their Medicare cards.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and older gets a flu shot as soon as it's available. It takes about two weeks for antibodies to develop and provide protection against the flu. Even if you had a shot last year, you'll need another one this year because flu viruses are constantly changing, and each year's vaccines are formulated to keep up with the evolving viruses.

In addition to getting the flu vaccine, Montco Health Department also recommends washing hands frequently and thoroughly; coughing or sneezing into your sleeve, not your hand; and minimize contact with sick people if you're well, and well people if you're sick.

For more information, read the MCHD press release.