Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) began offering the seasonal flu vaccine for adults on Monday, August 13.
This year’s flu vaccine is an all-in-one inoculation that offers protection against multiple flu strains including the H1N1 virus.
Officials do not anticipate this season to be much different from last flu season, but that does not change the importance of getting vaccinated.
The flu vaccine is recommended for almost everyone except children younger than 6 months and people who have severe allergies to eggs. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention recommend the flu vaccine as the best means of flu prevention.
“Offering the flu vaccine to the public comes a little early this year in Dallas County, but DCHHS is following the recommendation from the CDC to begin offering it as soon as it is available in the community,” said Director Zachary Thompson.
It takes the body about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop and provide protection against the flu virus infection. Dallas County residents are urged to come get their flu vaccine now.
The adult vaccine is $20. If the patient is covered by Medicare, the vaccine is free.
The flu vaccine will be offered in the adult immunization clinic on the first floor at the DCHHS Building, 2377 North Stemmons Freeway in Dallas. Clinic hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday – Friday. Appointments aren’t necessary. For more information call 214-819-2162.
