Get Healthy Carson City: Got a flu shot? National Influenza Vaccination Week is Dec. 6-12

This column appears in the Nevada Appeal Wednesday health pages. It addresses topics related to the health of our community.

Parties, shopping, baking, wrapping ... none of these holiday activities are much fun when you have the flu. Make sure your holiday stays merry by getting a flu vaccine at Carson City Health and Human Services during National Influenza Vaccination Week, Dec. 6-12.

The Health Department encourages everyone who has not yet been vaccinated to protect themselves and their loved ones during the holiday season by getting vaccinated. National Influenza Immunization Week is a great opportunity to remind people a flu vaccination is beneficial and effective, even if it’s received in December and January.

In celebration of National Influenza Vaccination Week, Carson City Health and Human Services and Western Nevada College are sponsoring a community flu clinic in Room 110 of the Cedar Building on Wednesday, Dec. 9. That’s one week from today. During this event, flu vaccines will be available to students, faculty, and the public from 3 to 6 p.m. Both shots and the nasal spray vaccine will be available.

Those who wish to receive a vaccine should bring their insurance card with them. Carson City Health and Human Services bills most insurance providers. For those who are uninsured, the administration fee is $20. For those who may be unable to pay, a donation will be accepted. No one will be turned away for the inability to pay. Call 775-283-7905 for more information.

If you can’t make it to the college for the community vaccination event, flu vaccines are offered every Thursday at Carson City Health and Human Services during normal immunization clinic hours, 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-4:30 p.m.

For millions of people each year, the flu brings a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, fatigue, and miserable days spent in bed instead of at work or school. That’s not festive. The best way to prevent illness caused by the flu virus is by getting vaccinated. The CDC recommends everyone six months of age and older get a yearly flu vaccination. The Health Department encourages everyone to get a flu vaccination, especially those who may be at high risk of complications from the flu, including children six months to 5 years of age, adults 65 and older, and pregnant women.

Although we haven’t seen many cases of flu yet, now is still a good time to be vaccinated. In our region, flu is seen most often in January and February. Getting vaccinated now can help prevent illness if and when the flu does arrive in our community.

This holiday season, spread cheer, not germs. Make sure the flu is not invited to your holiday celebrations.

For more information about the flu or other Health Department services, check out our website at www.gethealthycarsoncity.org, or “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cchhs.