Pitt County to offer Free Flu Immunizations for Uninsured Individuals
Health Department encourages vaccinations as flu season continues
PITT COUNTY, N.C. – The Pitt County Health Department has received funding to provide free flu immunizations for uninsured individuals. Appointments are required for immunization services. To schedule an appointment for a flu immunization, please call 252-902-2449.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “While vaccine effectiveness (VE) can vary, recent studies show that flu vaccination reduces the risk of flu illness by between 40% and 60% among the overall population during seasons when most circulating flu viruses are well-matched to those used to make flu vaccines.”
Who should get the flu vaccine?
The CDC recommends annual influenza vaccinations for everyone age six months or older. Vaccination is especially important for people at high risk of influenza complications, including:
- Children younger than age 2
- Adults older than age 50
- Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
- People who are pregnant or plan to be pregnant during flu season
- People with weakened immune systems
- People age six months to 18 years who take aspirin or salicylate-containing medication
- American Indians or Alaska natives
- People who have chronic illnesses, such as asthma, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease and diabetes
- People with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher
- Children between six months and 8 years may need two doses of the flu vaccine the first time they are given a flu vaccine, given at least four weeks apart. After that, they can receive single annual doses of the flu vaccine. Check with your child's health care provider.
Chronic medical conditions can also increase your risk of influenza complications. Examples include:
- Asthma
- Cancer or cancer treatment
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- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Heart disease
- Cystic fibrosis
- Diabetes
- Brain or nervous system conditions
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or conditions that are treated by lowering the immune system
- Kidney or liver disease
- Obesity, including people with a BMI of 40 or higher
Anyone with a chronic medical condition should get the flu vaccine, as well as individuals living in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities.
The Mission of Pitt County Government is to enhance the health, safety, and well-being of our community by advocating for and providing quality services in a friendly and cost-effective manner. Learn more: www.PittCountyNC.gov
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Media Contact:
Dawn C. Jones
Director, Public Information & Media Relations Past Releases:
dawn.jones@pittcountync.gov | (252) 902-2995 www.PittCountyNC.gov/PIO