Local Health Officials Remind “High Risk” Residents To Receive A Flu Shot

Sonora, Ca — With flu season just around the corner, Tuolumne County health officials are reminding “high risk” residents to receive a flu shot at the community vaccination clinics later this fall.

County Health Officer Dr. Todd Stolp says annual flu shots are especially important for seniors, because this group is more likely than others to become seriously ill if they get the flu.

“Influenza viruses weaken the body, which makes older victims susceptible to other infections like pneumonia,” says Stolp. “With aging, the ability to fight of illness decreases, and you don´t recover as quickly as you did when you were younger.”

The 2007-08 influenza vaccine contains antigens to provide protection against three strains of viruses expected to cause illness this winter.

Seniors are not the only ones that should receive the vaccine. Other individuals who are more likely to have severe illness or complications if they get the flu include those at any age with diabetes, asthma, heart disease, kidney disease, or weakened immune systems.

Flu shots will be available at the Tuolumne County Health Fair on October 16th and 17th. Those who are not “high risk” are asked to wait until November to get the shot.

The Tuolumne County Public Health Department says that most flu seasons begin in January or February, so November and December are good months to obtain a flu shot.

Written by BJ Hansen