The Westport Weston Health District today announced the dates of its seasonal flu clinics and said it is important that Westporters get seasonal flu shots in addition to possible H1N1 flu shots.
“While the H1N1 influenza virus has been the focus of attention since the spring, it is important that we do not forget the risks posed by seasonal influenza viruses,” the District said in a news release.
It said every year in the United States, on average 5 percent to 20 percent of the population gets the flu; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and about 36,000 people die from flu-related causes.
Older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious complications from seasonal influenza, the District said.
Although the annual seasonal flu vaccine contains an H1N1 type of A virus, this year’s seasonal vaccine is not expected to give any protection to the new strain of H1N1, the District said.
“WWHD recommends that people, especially those at high risk for serious complications and their close contacts, get the seasonal flu vaccine as soon as it is available at their doctors’ offices or at one of the WWHD-sponsored flu clinics,” it said.
The flu clinic schedule:
Saturday, Sept. 26 – Westport Weston Health District, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 29 – Weston Library, 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 6 – Westport Library, 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 7 – Westport Center for Senior Actvities, 5 – 8 p.m.
