Flu immunizations available Sept.17

Bonners Ferry — Flu season this year will bring two viruses and two vaccines.

The first vaccine available is for the common seasonal flu. Vaccination clinics for the seasonal flu will start at the Panhandle Health District office in Bonners Ferry on Sept. 17.

Seasonal flu kills 36,000 people in the United States every year and hospitalizes more than 200,000 people each year with complications. It hits young children, people older than 64 and anyone with a weakened immune system the hardest.

Flu shots offer some protection from the virus. Good prevention practices include regular hand washing, covering your cough and sneezing into your sleeve.

 The seasonal flu is a respiratory illness that spreads quickly and easily. People with symptoms — fever, dry cough, sore throat, body aches, malaise — should stay home to protect others from catching the virus.

 With two flu viruses circulating—seasonal and the H1N1 flu virus—vaccination protection is particularly important this year.

  The Bonners Ferry PHD office, 7402 Caribou, will offer seasonal flu vaccinations for adults Thursday, Sept. 17, from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. No appointments are needed. It will hold a second seasonal flu vaccination clinic for adults at the Senior Hospitality Center in Bonners Ferry on Friday, Sept. 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

    A limited amount of vaccinations will be available free to people in the 60 to 64 age range who don’t qualify for Medicaid or Medicare, thanks to funding from the Area Agency on Aging.

    Children’s flu vaccine is scheduled to arrive later in the month. To schedule flu vaccinations for children, call the PHD Bonners Ferry office at 208-267-5558.

 The seasonal flu vaccinations will cost $25 for adults. PHD will bill Medicaid and Medicare Part B and accept payment by cash, check, Visa and Mastercard. For PHD’s seasonal flu clinic schedule, visit www.phd1.idaho.gov.