Flu season will soon be upon us, so now is the perfect time to prepare.
Saddler
The Northern Kentucky Health Department is joining other health professionals in the statewide “Focus on Flu” campaign to help prevent another large-scale flu season such as the one last year that infected 10,500 Kentuckians, including 6,500 people in Northern Kentucky and led to the deaths of 325 people, 30 of whom lived in Northern Kentucky.
“Focus on Flu” urges Kentuckians to get their flu shots by the end of October—for maximum protection.
“Flu is what we call an equal opportunity infector—anyone can get the flu,” said Lynne M. Saddler, MD, MPH, District Director of Health with the Northern Kentucky Health Department. “For some people, the flu is miserable, requiring days off school or work, and suffering through a fever and aches and pains.”
For other groups—including very young children, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions—the flu can cause very serious illness and can even be life-threatening. “Getting vaccinated will protect not only you, but also those at risk around you,” added Saddler. “In fact, it’s the best protection we have. Now is the time to talk to your health care provider about vaccination.”
In addition to boosting flu vaccinations, the campaign is focused on other important flu prevention strategies. These strategies emphasize preventing the spread of flu by washing your hands frequently with soap and water; covering your mouth and nose with your arm or a tissue when you cough or sneeze; and avoiding others if you do get sick.
The Health Department is offering flu vaccines by appointment at its four county health centers:
- Boone County Health Center, 7505 Burlington Pike, Florence, 859-363-2060
- Campbell County Health Center, 1098 Monmouth St., Newport, 859-431-1704
- Grant County Health Center, 234 Barnes Road, Williamstown, 859-824-5074
- Kenton County Health Center, 2002 Madison Ave., Covington, 859-431-3345
The shot costs $25, but no one will be turned away for inability to pay. The Health Department also accepts Medicaid and participates in the Vaccine for Children program.
Medicare and most private health insurance providers also cover flu vaccination as a preventive service. While the Health Department will vaccinate anyone who wishes to receive it, individuals with private insurance or Medicare may want to consider getting vaccinated by their health care provider or any of the pharmacies and clinics in Northern Kentucky.
The Northern Kentucky Health Department provides high-quality public health services to more than 400,000 residents of Boone, Campbell, Grant and Kenton Counties, with a goal of preventing disease, promoting wellness and protecting against health threats. The Health Department seeks to be a nationwide leader in public health, and was one of the first in the country to earn national public health accreditation. For more information, click here.
