Politics & Government

Delaware County Council Launches Flu Awareness Campaign

Three strains of influenza may hit this flu season.

Everyone from 6 months old and older should be getting themselves prepared for the flu season, especially with three strains of influenza that are predicted to hit this year, stated Delaware County Council Senior Medical Advisor Dr. George Avetian.

In a press release to the media on Tuesday, the Delaware County Council has launched an awareness campaign to prepare county residents of the coming flu season.

“We recommend that everyone seek a flu vaccination from their family physician or at a public flu shot clinic, perhaps at their pharmacy,” Avetian stated.

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The 2011-2012 vaccine may protect many residents from three strains of influenza: A H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus and the H1N1 virus, which famously emerged in 2009 to cause a pandemic, the press release stated, adding that an estimated 166 million doses of flu vaccine will be produced this year.

“Receiving the flu vaccine is the first and most important step in preventing the flu and decreasing the risk of severe flu-related illnesses,” stated County Councilman Tom McGarrigle. “Each year, in the United States, 200,000 people are hospitalized due to complications from the flu and 36,000 people due from the flu and related complications. We want to ensure that Delaware County residents stay healthy.”

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The people who are at the greatest risk of getting the flu include:

  • young children
  • pregnant women
  • people with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart
  • and chronic lung disease
  • individuals age 65 and older.

The council has also issued the following flu prevention resources: 

  • Walk-In Clinic: A free walk-in flu shot clinic will be held 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27 at the Tinicum firehouse, 99 Wanamaker Ave., Essington. This replaces the drive-thru clinic that has been held in previous years. The walk-in clinic is sponsored by the state DoH in cooperation with the county ICH. Vaccines will be given to all residents age 4 and older. People will be asked to complete a brief screening to determine if they are allergic to eggs, or have ever had a reaction to a flu shot. People are also asked to bring a canned good or non-perishable food item to be donated at the walk-in flu shot clinic.
  • Flu Shot Clinic Calendar: A listing of Flu Shot Clinics, at drugstores, hospitals, libraries and community centers, is posted and continually updated on the Delaware County Web site at www.co.delaware.pa.us. People who do not have Internet access can call the Department of Intercommunity Health Coordination at (610) 891-5311 for sites and dates.
  • Educational Information: The Delaware County Web site also features information on the seasonal flu with tips on prevention and links to the federal Centers for Disease Control. There are also printable fliers and reminders that can be downloaded and posted at schools, day care centers, workplaces and other sites.
  • Immunization Hotline: The Crozer Keystone Health System Community Health Education Program, in cooperation with the county Intercommunity Health department, provides an Immunization Hotline at (610) 447-2050. The hotline is in operation now through January and is updated on a weekly basis with information regarding locations and times for vaccine
  • Flu Shots at Local Libraries: The Delaware County Library System (DCLS) partners with Maxim Health Systems to provide flu shots at various local libraries throughout October. The cost is $30 per shot. It is free for those who have only Medicare Part B or who have Aetna insurance. Dates and sites are listed on the County website and at the DCLS site at www.delcolibraries.org. People can also call 610-891-8622.
  • Flu Prevention Video: A brief public service announcement on flu prevention is made available by County Council on the County website at www.co.delaware.pa.us and also on YouTube, which is included in this article.


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