This year getting your flu shot is more than just preventing the flu. Reducing the burden of flu illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths will help our health care system conserve medical resources as they care for people with COVID-19 during the typical flu season.
Richland Public Health will hold a drive thru flu vaccine clinic for Richland County residents on October 13 from 1 PM to 4 PM at the Richland County Fairgrounds (750 N. Home Road, Mansfield).
- Everyone stays in their own vehicle. Everyone must wear masks (unless under age two).
- Multiple people in one car may get their flu vaccine but paperwork will be needed for each individual.
- There will be stations to distribute forms and gather information at the drive thru.
- Richland Public Health Nurses will be available on both sides of each vehicle to give the proper vaccine dosage to each person after gathering documentation.
- Richland Public Health recommends everyone age 6 months and older get an influenza (“flu”) vaccine. This recommendation follows Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.
- Flu vaccines are FREE (no co-pay) when using participating insurances accepted by Richland Public Health. Please bring your insurance card and a photo ID. Richland Public Health cost for flu vaccine varies depending on age and type of vaccine used.
Richland Public Health flu vaccines will also be available by appointment after the October 13 drive thru clinic. More information will be available after that date.
For additional information about influenza, visit our website www.richlandhealth.org, or talk with your pediatrician or family physician. For special home-bound services, call 419-774-4540.
Influenza is a contagious disease that spreads around the United States every year, usually between October and May. Flu is caused by influenza viruses, and is spread mainly by coughing, sneezing, and close contact. Anyone can get the flu. Flu strikes suddenly and can last several days. Symptoms vary by age, but can include: fever/chills, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, headache, and runny or stuffy nose.
Flu is more dangerous for some people. Infants and young children, people 65 years of age and older, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions or a weakened immune system are at greatest risk.
“No one likes to be sick. Getting the flu will cause you to miss work or school, along with your favorite activities,” Amy Schmidt, Director of Nursing at Richland Public Health, said. “You might also pass the flu on to your family, friends, or co-workers. Protect yourself and others. Get your flu shot.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cold and flu season runs from approximately October to May, with a peak somewhere between December and February. Flu can be widespread, with up to 49 million cases each year in the United States.
Everyone from age six months and up should get an annual flu shot. The CDC recommends getting your flu shot in October, but if you miss that month, get one as soon as possible.
About flu shots
Although no vaccine is 100% effective at preventing the flu, getting vaccinated has a number of benefits. Vaccines:
- Reduce flu-related doctor visits by 40-60%.*
- Lower rates of cardiac events.
- Reduce hospitalizations among people with diabetes and chronic lung disease.
- Lower intensive care unit admissions, as well as the length of ICU and hospital stays.
- Getting your flu shot will reduce the chance of having to miss work or holiday activities.
Richland County Flu Recent Flu Numbers
- Richland County has had 1,063 cases of influenza so far in 2020 with most coming in January and February.
- It’s not just feeling ill: 93 Richland County residents ended up in the hospital from influenza in 2019 and 94 so far in 2020 (mostly in January through March).
The Richland Public Health flu immunization program is partially funded by local tax levy dollars.
*Source: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
