The DeKalb County Health Department (DCHD) supports the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention Campaign, to fight the flu with three actions:
1. Get yourself and your family vaccinated. A yearly flu vaccine is the first and most
important step in protecting against flu viruses.
2. Take every day preventative actions to help stop the spread of flu viruses. Wash your
hands often, with soap and water, clean and disinfect surfaces.
3. Take antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them. If you get the flu, antiviral drugs can
be used to treat flu illness.
Lisa Gonzalez, Health Department Administrator, says “it’s not too early to get your flu shot. The CDC recommends that you get a vaccine as soon as it is available. This helps protect you and your family in the case that the flu season is earlier than usual but will still protect you throughout the season.” The flu season can begin as early as October, but most commonly peaks in January or February. It takes about two weeks after receiving the vaccine for antibodies to build up in the body, so it is important to get the vaccine before influenza illness begins in the community.
According to the CDC, everyone 6 months and older is recommended for annual flu vaccination, with few exceptions. Certain people are at higher risk of flu including pregnant women, children younger than 5 years, and people 65 years of age and older.
Beginning Tuesday, September 5, DCHD is offering walk-in flu clinics for adults and children
Monday through Friday from 8:30am – 12:00pm and 1:00pm – 4:00 pm. For current updates, call the Flu Hotline at 815-748- 2410 (English) or 815-748- 2425 (Spanish).
DCHD accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and most PPO health insurances. Please bring all insurance cards, a credit card, and photo id with you when coming for your flu shot. Medicaid will be billed or payment of $15 will be accepted for those children who qualify for the Vaccine for Children (VFC) program.
To learn more about flu vaccinations, visit http://www.cdc.gov/flu or www.cdc.gov/fightflu.
For more information about the DeKalb County Health Department Services, visit
health.dekalbcounty.org or follow us on social media.
Click Here To Submit A News Tip Or Story
2 Comments
Matt Browder
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
No way! support your immune system properly instead!