As the cold, wet weather of winter settles into the area, a winter rite-of-passage is available again, and in good supply.
Flu shots are once again the buzzword of the day, and are more readily available this year than has been the case in the recent past, said Clermont County Health District Head of Nursing Deena Elliott.
“There is a very adequate supply of the vaccine this year,” said Elliott. “People seem to be taking advantage of it and getting their shots at the doctors, local pharmacies and big food stores, as well as coming to us.”
Each year, health authorities advise citizens to get a flu vaccine in the hopes of preventing widespread outbreaks of the seasonal illness. Each year, millions of lost work days are blamed on cases of the flu. A few years ago, flu shot shortages led to careful rationing of the vaccine to treat only those most at risk. This year, however, there is enough to give anyone willing a leg up against the illness.
“This has been a very simple year,” said Elliott. “The vaccine became available early this year, so people are out there getting them. We have them here, and we encourage people who want to come here and get them to call ahead and make an appointment.”