Public Health

Flu and Pneumonia Shots

Contact Person for Referral:
Lynn Alexanderson, Flu Clinic Coordinator

Gretchen Gantz, Flu Program Assistant

Tel:
(541) 265-6611 ext. 2432
Flu Shot Help Line: (541) 265-6611 ext: 2550

Lincoln County Health and Human Services, in partnership with Council on Aging, will be coordinating the flu and pneumonia shot clinics this October. Our goal is to provide flu and pneumonia vaccination coverage for as many Lincoln County residents as possible.

Every year in the United States, on average, 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and; about 36,000 people die from flu.

Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications.

Are YOU At Risk for Complications from Influenza?

A yearly flu shot is recommended for people who are at increased risk for serious complications from the flu and anyone else who wants to lower their changes of getting the flu.

Lincoln County Health and Human Services Department will be giving flu and pneumonia shots in various Lincoln County locations throughout the flu season. Locations and times will be published on this page.

Public Flu Clinic Schedule (posted as of September 2008)

You may contact Lincoln County Health and Human Services Flu Shot Help Line at: 265-6611 ext: 2550.

Questions and Answers

See frequently-asked questions and answers about the flu.

Preventing Flu

Vaccination and Antiviral Medications

Vaccination: The single best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each fall. In the absence of vaccine, however, there are other ways to protect against flu.

Antiviral Medications: Three antiviral drugs (amantadine, rimantadine, and oseltamivir) are approved and commercially available for use in preventing flu. All of these medications are prescription drugs, and a doctor should be consulted before the drugs are used for preventing the flu.

Other Habits for Good Health

The following steps may help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses like flu:

	Avoid close contact Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
	Stay home when you are sick If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
	Cover your mouth and nose Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
	Clean your hands Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
	Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

Links
Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Flu Facts
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) Links
Pandemic Influenza Links
Health Care Providers: Information for healthcare providers on vaccine and prevention and control of flu: Center for Disease Control and Prevention