It isn’t pleasant to think about, but with cooler weather, so too comes the cold and flu season. Back in 2006, the then administrative staff of Lower Providence Township formulated an Influenza Pandemic Response Plan for the township to “address the threat of a wide-spread flu outbreak.” But what can residents do to prevent the spread of Influenza.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only around 46 percent of the Pennsylvania residents recommended to have the vaccine did get it during last year’s flu season. The CDC states that those under age 5, age 65 or older, pregnant or with medical conditions including asthma, chronic lung diseases, heart disease, blood disorders, endocrine disorders, kidney, liver or metabolic disorders, weakened immune systems (HIV, AIDS or cancer), those 19 and over on long-term aspirin therapy or those that are morbidly obese should all have the vaccine each year. The organization also recommends that those around children or people that on the recommended list also have the shot.
The CDC states that the vaccine is the top way to prevent a spread of the flu. Those ages 2 to 8 are now recommended to receive the nasal spray version, preventing that unwanted shot for children.
“Even healthy people can get sick enough to miss work or school for a significant amount of time, or even be hospitalized,” said the CDC website. “Getting a yearly flu vaccine is especially important.”
With 50 years of statistics with a “very good safety track record,” according to the site, the CDC works each year with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and “other partners to ensure the highest safety standards for flu vaccines.”
Officials in Montgomery County agreed.
“Vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza and its potentially severe complications,” said Jessica Willingham, public relations coordinator for the Montgomery County Commissioners Office.
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The county itself will offer free flu shots for county residents, including those in Lower Providence Township. Operated by the Montgomery County Health Department, clinics have been set for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at various locations. Those closest to the township include:
· Upper Merion Township Building, Tuesday Oct. 7
· Upper Merion Senior Center, Monday, Nov. 3 (9:30-11:30 a.m.)
Alternatively, several area businesses offer free and low-cost flu shots, and many already have full stocks available. The CDC recommends getting the vaccine early. Locally, residents can check for flu shots at:
· ACME Sav-On Pharmacy, Ridge Pike; 610-630-0890
· CVS Minute Clinic, Egypt Road and Park Avenue; 610-666-0512
· Patient First, Germantown Pike (East Norriton); 610-994-0063
· Rite Aid; Egypt Road and Shannondell Drive; 610-650-8490
· Walgreens, Ridge Pike and Park Avenue; 484-636-5003
· Target, Mill Road (Phoenixville); 610-650-3927
· Giant Pharmacy, Shannondell Drive; 610-728-5600
· Walmart, Trooper Road; 610-630-2944
For more information about flu vaccines, call the location desired to check on availability. Appointments are typically not required.
This story was published through a news content partnership between NBC10.com and The Alternate Press of Lower Providence
