ELMIRA – “National Influenza Vaccination Week is December 4, 2011 – December 10, 2011 and provides an opportunity for us to tell people how important it is for people to get an annual flu shot,” said Linda Swarthout, Public Health Educator at the Chemung County Health Department.  “Getting vaccinated is the single best way for people to protect not only themselves against flu, but their loved ones as well”.

CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses.  While there are many different flu viruses, the flu vaccine protects against the three viruses that research suggests will be most common this season. 

Flu vaccines are offered in many locations, including doctor’s offices, the health department, pharmacies, clinics, as well as by many employers.  CDC recommends that influenza vaccine begin as soon as the 2011-2012 flu vaccine becomes available and continue throughout the flu season.  Influenza seasons are unpredictable and can begin as early as October.  It takes about 2 weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against influenza virus.

The influenza shot cannot give you the flu because the viruses in it have been inactivated and are not infectious.  Most people do not experience any side effects from the influenza shot.  When side effects do occur, they are usually mild.  The most common side effects are soreness, redness, tenderness or swelling where the shot is given.  Low grade fever, headache, and muscle aches also may occur.

Children under the age of 19 can be vaccinated for free on the first and third Tuesdays of the month from 1-3:30pm and the 4th Tuesday of the month from 5:30-8 pm. The clinics are held at the Chemung County Health Department, 103 Washington Street in Elmira. Adults over the age of 19 can also attend the clinics and receive the flu vaccine at a cost of $30.

Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine – REMEMBER – It’s NOT too late to vaccinate!