Discounted flu shots offered at Linn County Public Health

To help reduce the spread of influenza or “flu," Linn County Public Health is encouraging the public to get vaccinated this winter. Throughout December and January, Linn County Public Health will be offering free flu shots to children who qualify and $20 flu shots for adults (while supplies last). Immunizations will be available between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Influenza is a virus that is common during the winter months and can be easily spread from person to person. Each year the influenza virus changes, so it's important to get a new vaccination each year. The flu may cause mild to severe illness, and in some rare cases even death. Although anyone can get the flu, people who are very young, elderly or have medical conditions are most at risk for developing severe complications. The vaccination is recommended for most people over the age of six months.

In addition to getting a flu vaccination, it's important to remember to regularly wash your hands with soap and water before and after eating, after going to the bathroom, and when in the public. It's also important to regularly clean surfaces in your house and office with commercial cleaners since the virus can live up to two hours on some surfaces. If you do get sick, stay home from work or school and encourage others to do the same.

National Influenza Vaccination Week, which is from December 4th-10th, was established in 2005 by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to promote getting a flu shot during and after the holiday months. This year's theme is “Get the flu vaccine, not the flu”.

More information about influenza is available at

www.cdc.gov/flu or call 319-892-6093 to speak with a nurse at Linn County Public Health.