Flu season is nearing, and state health officials say this year’s flu vaccines are both in good supply and a good match for this year’s expected flu strains. Public flu vaccine clinics are now operating regularly in the Roanoke Valley, including one at Valley View Mall. More from WFIR’s Evan Jones. (Continue reading for a list of Roanoke area public flu vaccine clinics.)
Here is full information from the Virginia Department of Health:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information Contact:
Roanoke City and Alleghany Health District’s Flu Call Center, 540-204-9926
IT’S TIME FOR YOUR FLU SHOT!
— Health Department Hosts Vaccination Clinics —
(Roanoke, Va.) – The Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts are offering flu shots at Valley View Mall! In addition, the flu vaccine is available at your local health department. Walk-in and appointment times are available. All insurances are accepted. Arrangements can be made for those without a payer source. Flu clinic information will be available at the Roanoke Times newspaper calendar and the Google flu locator.
Flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months of age or older. It is safe and it is the best way to protect those that you love. “Every year there is illness and death as a result of the flu,” said Stephanie Harper, M.D., director of the Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts. “This season’s vaccine offers protection from the 2009 HINI and other influenza viruses. We are working to make it convenient for you, so don’t miss these opportunities. Get vaccinated now!”
Please call your local health department if you have questions. Flu clinic times are as follows:
Valley View Mall – Upper level, next to Yankee Candle.
Through December 21, 2011*
WALK-IN – Wednesdays and Fridays, noon to 6 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
*Exceptions – NO CLINIC October 28 and November 23, 25, 26
Roanoke City Health Department*
1502 Williamson Rd., N.E., 2nd floor, Roanoke; 540-283-5050
WALK-IN – Fridays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursdays, 4 to 6:30 p.m.
Call for appointments at other times and to identify additional walk-in hours.
*Exceptions – NO CLINIC October 28 and November 11, 23, 25, 26
Salem Health Department*
105 East Calhoun St., Salem; 540-387-5530
WALK-IN – Fridays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Call for appointments at other times and to identify additional walk-in hours.
*Exceptions – NO CLINIC October 28 and November 11, 23, 25, 26
Vinton Health Department*
227 S. Pollard St., Vinton; 540-857-7800
WALK-IN – Fridays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Call for appointments at other times and to identify additional walk-in hours.
*Exceptions – NO CLINIC October 28 and November 11, 23, 25, 26
Covington Health Department*
321 Beech St., Covington; 540-962-2173
WALK-IN – Fridays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Call for appointments at other times and to identify additional walk-in hours.
*Exceptions – NO CLINIC October 28 and November 11, 23, 25, 26
Craig County Health Department*
161 Main St., New Castle; 540-864-5136
WALK-IN – Fridays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Call for appointments at other times and to identify additional walk-in hours.
*Exceptions – NO CLINIC October 28 and November 11, 23, 25, 26
Botetourt County Health Department*
21 Academy St., Fincastle; 540-473-8240
WALK-IN – Thursdays, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Call for appointments at other times and to identify additional walk-in hours.
*Exceptions – NO CLINIC October 28 and November 11, 23, 25, 26
To prevent the spread of the flu, practice these precautions:
• Get the flu vaccine – it is the single best way to prevent the flu and to protect yourself, your neighbors and your loved ones;
• Avoid close contact with sick individuals;
• Stay home when you are sick;
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing with a tissue and throw the tissue away immediately. If a tissue is not available, sneeze or cough into your sleeve;
• Clean your hands by washing regularly and for at least 20 seconds. Parents also need to make sure they wash the hands of small children and encourage frequent hand washing in older children;
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth; and
• Practice other good health habits such as getting plenty of sleep, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, eat nutritious food and be physically active.
For more information, contact your local health department or visit www.vdh.virginia.gov.
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