Mass influenza immunization drill set for Oct 2-4

The Lincoln County Health Department is holding a mass influenza immunization drill from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, October 2-4.

For those not covered by Medicaid, PeachCare or Medicare Part B, the cost of the vaccine is $20.

The immunization drill will be conducted throughout the East Central Health District (ECHD), which includes Lincoln County.

"The purpose of the drill is to test our capacity to provide mass immunizations in the event of a biological disaster," said Emmitt L. Walker, public relations information coordinator for the ECHD. "By conducting this drill throughout the district, we can test, measure, and validate plans for dealing with a pandemic influenza event as well as evaluate the district's response.

"We are encouraging families to get vaccinated against seasonal human influenza and pneumococcal disease - the illnesses associated with these diseases can be life threatening," he stated.

During their visit to the health department, participants will receive a packet of educational materials, including a pamphlet titled "A Pandemic Flu Planning Checklist for Individuals and Families."

Anyone can contract influenza, but rates of infection are the highest among children. For most people, the illness lasts only a few days and can cause fever, coughing, a sore throat, headaches, chills, muscle aches, and fatigue.

In others, the influenza virus can lead to pneumonia. It can also cause high fevers and seizures in children.

On the average, 226,000 people are hospitalized every year because of influenza, and 36,000 die, mostly the elderly.

Influenza vaccines are strongly recommended for the following:

.. All children, from six months up to five years of age.

.. Anyone 50 years of age or older.

.. Anyone, from six months to 18 years of age, who is on long-term aspirin treatment. These individuals could develop Reye Syndrome if they contracted the flu.

.. Women who will be pregnant during the influenza season.

.. Anyone with long-term health problems such as heart disease, lung disease, asthma, kidney disease, metabolic diseases such as diabetes, and anemia and other blood disorders.

.. Anyone with a weakened immune system due to:

(1) HIV/AIDS or other diseases affecting the immune system.

(2) Long-term treatment with drugs such as steroids.

(3) Cancer treatment with x-rays or drugs.

.. Anyone with certain muscle or nerve disorders, such as seizure disorders or severe cerebral palsy, that can lead to breathing or swallowing problems.

.. Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities.

.. Anyone who lives with or cares for people at a high risk for influenzarelated complications, including:

(1) Healthcare providers.

(2) Household contacts and caregivers of children from birth up to five years of age.

(3) Household contacts and caregivers of people 50 years and older and those with medical conditions that put them at a higher risk for severe complications from influenza.

For more information about the mass immunization drill, call the Lincoln County Health Department at 706-359-3154 or the ECHD office at 1-706-729-2194 or visit the district's website at www.ecphd.com.

Reader Comments

No comments have been posted. Be the first!