Local Health Departments Encourage Flu Immunizations

September is National Preparedness Month; federal, state, and local emergency preparedness officials have been suggesting various ways to ensure that all residents of the Commonwealth are ready for any emergency, manmade or natural.

One issue that consistently has local health officials worried continues to be the possibility of another Flu pandemic. An outbreak of Influenza has the potential for making many people ill, resulting in many deaths, and having a negative impact on the economy.

The health departments throughout the region are in the process of scheduling Flu Clinics within their communities. Residents are encouraged to contact their local health department to find out when clinics have been scheduled. For the Mystic Valley Region, go to www.mysticvalleymrc.org for your local clinics. Many clinics throughout the state are also posted on a centralized bulletin board at this website: https://www.mylocalclinic.com/fcss/.

Regardless of where you get your vaccine from, residents are encouraged to seek it out. Becoming immunized is easy, and will help protect not only you, but also those around you.

Remember to practice good cough and hand hygiene; always cough or sneeze into your sleeve instead of your hands, and wash your hands frequently. Use a hand sanitizer, especially when soap and water may not be available. Finally, when you are sick, stay home from work or school to help your body recover, and to prevent further spread to others.

Get vaccinated, and stay prepared. For more information contact Brooke Hoyt at bhoyt@medford.org.

– Submitted by Brooke Hoyt