GRAYSON CO., TX – The Grayson County Health Department is making it easier than ever to get this year’s flu vaccine, by setting up public clinics at various locations through the month of October.
Nurses are visiting area schools, offices and businesses nearly every day trying to educate the public on the upcoming flu season and encouraging getting the flu shot early.
Tuesday afternoon the Belk store in Sherman’s Town Center hosted a flu shot clinic. Nurses with the Health Department greeted customers as they walked in the store, asking them if they needed the flu shot this year.
"I was glad to see it because I hadn't gotten mine, I was glad to see that they were here,” said Billie McGuire, who got her flu shot as she shopped at Belk.
This year you only need one flu shot, and the new vaccine protects you against the regular flu, H1N1 and a new strand, H3N2. And the Centers for Disease Control says this shot is good for a full year. The CDC recommends everyone from ages six months to the elderly get the vaccinated early this year.
"We're trying to make sure that as many people in the county has access to getting the flu shots, it's very important that we give the flu shots, that they get them,” said Mary Brice, a nurse with the Grayson County Health Department.
Belk Manager Ruthann Mihalakis wanted her customers to be proactive now. She even got her shot Tuesday to stay healthy, because stores can be just another place that the flu virus can spread.
"It's convenient for them, and also be aware that the flu season is right around the corner and we need to be prepared for it,” said Mihalakis.
The Grayson County Health Department said Medicaid for adults and children (six months through 18 years) will be accepted with current card. Medicare Part B will also be accepted with card, but they cannot accept insurance or HMO’s. Flu shots will cost $25 for all others.
The clinics that will be open to the public are listed below:
10-06-10 2-4pm Gunter community Center Gunter
10-08-10 12:30-4:30pm Sherman Snap Center Sherman
10-11-10 9-12noon Jimmy Rector Center Whitesboro
10-12-10 9-12noon City of Howe Howe
10-14-10 10-2pm First Methodist Church Bonham
10-16-10 9-1pm Loy Lake Park Drive by clinic Denison
10-20-10 9-11am Van Alstyne Snap Center Van Alstyne
10-20-10 11-1pm City of Gainesville Gainesville
10-26-10 8-10am Health Trends Denison
10-27-10 2-4pm Leonard City Hall Leonard
10-28-10 2-4pm Cedar Mills Marina Gordonville
The Grayson County Health Department will administer flu shots in the Denison and Sherman offices every week throughout October from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. and from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
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