Press Release

Montgomery County Public Health Urges Residents To Get Flu Vaccination

It's Not Too Late To Get Your Flu Shot! Did You Get Yours?

FONDA - County Executive Matthew L. Ossenfort and the Montgomery County Public Health Department want to remind residents that even though the holiday season is here, it's still not too late to get a flu shot. Influenza season typically runs from late fall to early spring and with today's official arrival of the winter season, getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent the flu.

Flu vaccines have protected millions of people for decades. The flu is a serious disease. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the number of seasonal influenza-associated deaths varies from year to year because flu seasons are unpredictable. Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and in turn, spread it to others. According to the According National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIADI), the flu affects between five and 20 percent of the U.S. population each year. When more people get vaccinated, less flu can spread through the community.

The flu virus has symptoms of coughing, fever, headaches, sore throat and a runny nose. The flu can keep you bedridden for a week or more and put a damper on work and social activities. Especially at this time of the year, getting a flu shot can help ensure that you don't miss out on any holiday activities.

The vaccination is strongly recommended for those who are at a high risk for flu, including children, pregnant women, people over the age of 65, individuals caring for babies younger than six months and those who have conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease.

Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the viruses that are in the vaccine. The benefits to flu vaccination are:

• Keep you from getting sick from the flu
• Help protect people who are at greater risk of getting seriously ill from the flu
• Possibly make your illness milder, if you do get sick
• Reduce the risk of more serious flu outcomes, like hospitalizations

Should you develop flu-like symptoms or come into contact with someone who may have the flu, follow these simple precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the flu virus.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw the tissue in the trash. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using a tissue. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread easily this way.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick (at least six feet).
• If you are sick, stay home for at least 24 hours until after your fever is gone.

Workers in public settings have more of a risk of exposure and passing on the flu virus. Back in November, the Montgomery County Public Health Department held flu shot clinics for county employees to have an opportunity to get vaccinated.

Montgomery County Public Health encourages residents to first check with their Health Care Provider for a Seasonal Flu Vaccine and schedule an appointment for a flu shot.

Montgomery County Public Health has Seasonal Influenza Vaccine for adults at a cost of $40. For children that qualify for New York State's VFC program, ages six months through 18 years, there is no cost, but there is an administration fee, with an income-based sliding scale.

Call the Montgomery County Public Health Department at 518-853-3531 to schedule an appointment or with any questions about the flu or the flu vaccine. Public Health Website