All Orange County Residents Now Eligible For
Flu Shots
(Santa Ana) –
Orange County residents of all ages are
now eligible for a flu shot, following the lifting of age and health
condition requirements previously imposed by the California Department of
Health Services.“The age and
health condition requirements were effective in ensuring that vaccine was
first available for those at the highest risk of complications from
influenza,” said Dr. Margaret Beed, Health Care Agency Chief Medical
Officer. “Now that the restrictions have been lifted, we want to let
everyone in Orange County know that it’s not too late to vaccinate.”
Flu season in Orange County often
peaks between January and March, and so far this year, activity has remained
low, indicating that this year’s flu season may not have yet peaked. Local
health care providers have ordered more than 37,000 doses of flu vaccine, so
those interested in obtaining a flu shot are asked to first check with their
private physician. Another option for healthy individuals between five and
49 years of age is the Flu Mist nasal flu vaccine, which is available
through retail pharmacies. If you are unable to obtain a flu shot through
your private physician, call the Health Care Agency’s Health Referral Line
at (800) 564-8448 for assistance.
To help prevent the spread of
respiratory illnesses, Orange County residents are urged to:
- Cover their mouth and nose with a
tissue when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash their hands with soap and warm
water or a hand sanitizer to help protect themselves from germs.
- Avoid touching their eyes, nose or
mouth.
- Stay healthy by eating nutritious
foods, drinking plenty of water, exercising, getting plenty of rest and
not smoking.
- Stay home when they are sick to
avoid infecting their co-workers and friends.
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