The Cherokee County Texas Health Department is providing flu (influenza) vaccinations Mondays through Thursdays from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p. m. at its clinics located at 593 North Main in Rusk, Texas and 510 East Commerce Street in Jacksonville, Texas for adults and children over six months old.  The vaccination costs seven dollars ($7.00) for children over six months to seventeen years old,  for adults (over age 17) are twenty dollars ($20.00). Vaccines are given on a first come first served basis. Maps to each location are available at www.cchdtexas.org .    For businesses and/or organizations to schedule an on-site clinic at their location call Pam Davis at 903-586-6191 or email pdavis@texashan.org .

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year.
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. 

October or November is the best time to get vaccinated, but getting vaccinated in December or even later can still be beneficial since most influenza activity occurs in January or later in most years. Though it varies, flu season can last as late as May.

In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. However, certain people should get vaccinated each year either because they are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for high risk persons.

People who should get vaccinated each year are:
   1. People at high risk for complications from the flu, including:
       • Children aged 6 months until their 5th birthday,
       • Pregnant women,
       • People 50 years of age and older,
       • People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions, and
       • People who live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities.
   2. People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
       • Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu (see above)
       • Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)
       • Health care workers.

3. Anyone who wants to decrease their risk of influenza.

The Cherokee County Texas Health Department recommends you protect yourself and others by obtaining the vaccination to decease your risk of the influenza this year.  Obtain key facts on Influenza by going to www.cchdtexas.org .