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OLYMPIA ¾ As the holidays approach, crowds in malls and other public places start to grow and so does your risk of exposure to germs — like the virus that causes influenza (flu). Protect yourself and your family this holiday season by getting vaccinated against the flu. The Washington State Department of Health and Washington’s Lottery are working together along with three major retailers to make getting a flu shot quick and easy.
On Friday, November 30 and Saturday, December 1 flu shots will be available at participating QFC, Safeway, and Albertsons/Sav-on Pharmacy locations around the state. The shots will cost $28-30; many health insurance plans cover the cost of flu shots. People who are vaccinated will also receive a packet of information from the Department of Health and the Lottery.
“Flu can be much more than a nuisance. It kills thousands of people across the country every year,” says Secretary of Health Mary Selecky. “Flu shots are one easy way to stay healthy this time of year. It’s especially important that young children, people over 50 and those with chronic medical conditions get vaccinated.”
In Washington, flu season usually peaks in January or later so getting vaccinated now helps prevent flu throughout the season. Everyone can benefit from a flu shot; however, it’s crucial for many people who are at high risk for complications. This includes anyone over 50; children 6 months to 5 years old; and children and adults with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. Also at high risk are pregnant women and residents of nursing homes or long-term care facilities.
Getting a flu shot protects you and your friends and family, so anyone who lives with or cares for a high risk adult or a child younger than 5 years old should also get a flu shot.
Along with getting vaccinated, practicing good health manners can help people avoid getting sick. Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and stay home when ill.
This partnership to encourage flu vaccination beyond November is the first of its kind between the Department of Health and Washington’s Lottery. The Lottery played a key role connecting the Department of Health with the large grocery retailers involved. “The local grocery store is a place most people visit frequently — usually at least once a week,” said Lottery Director Chris Liu. “We hope that by partnering with these retailers getting a flu shot is more convenient.”
For a list of stores offering flu shots on November 30 and December 1, as well as other health information, visit the Department of Health Flu News Web site (www.doh.wa.gov/FluNews/).
Editor’s note: Secretary of Health Mary Selecky and Lottery Director Chris Liu are available for phone interviews. There are also two sound bights available online from Secretary Selecky (http://www.doh.wa.gov/NewsRoom/default.htm) in a downloadable electronic format on the agency News Room page.
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