The Bucks County Department of Health is offering free flu shots for all county residents ages 3 and older from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28, at 1282 Almshouse Road in Doylestown.
With flu season almost here, county officials strongly urge most residents to take the preventive step of being vaccinated. Influenza is a contagious disease caused by viruses that are spread mainly by coughing, sneezing and close contact.
Symptoms can range from fever, chills, sore throat, aches, coughing and runny noses to more serious effects such as pneumonia, blood infections, diarrhea and seizures. Flu can aggravate existing conditions such as heart or lung disease, and is especially dangerous for the very young, the very old, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.
Getting vaccinated can prevent the flu, minimize the symptoms and keep it from spreading to others.
“The bottom line is that the flu vaccine gives you the best chance of staying healthy throughout the flu season,” said Dr. David C. Damsker, director of the county’s health department. “Don’t hesitate … vaccinate.”
If you have any severe, life-threatening allergies, make sure you tell this in advance to the person administering the vaccine. Some people with a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome should also not get the flu vaccine.
And if you are not feeling well, you may be asked to get your vaccination later, when you are feeling better.
For more information, contact the Bucks County Department of Health at 215-345-3328 or visit buckscounty.org/health or facebook.com/buckshealthdept. ••
