DANVILLE, Va. (WFXR) – The Pittsylvania-Danville Health District is hosting a free flu vaccine event with the Danville-Pittsylvania County Habitat for Humanity.
The event will take place on Saturday, January 11, at the Habitat Restore located at 2805 Riverside Drive in Danville. The walk-up event will offer flu vaccinations for ages 3 and up and will be first come first serve while supplies last.
A parent or guardian must be present with anyone younger than the age of 18.
The purpose of the event is to simulate a mass vaccination event for the health department and local agencies to work together so that members of the community can be vaccinated.
The Virginia Department of Health and Office of Emergency is providing the vaccine.
“We’ve already documented cases of influenza this season in the area, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Virginia Department of Health recommend vaccination each year for everyone 6 months and older,” said Scott J. Spillmann, MD, MPH, director, Pittsylvania-Danville Health District. “Vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza and its potentially severe complications.”
The Heath Department advises all persons 6 months or older receive vaccinations each year for the flu, especially for those at higher risk including:
- Pregnant and postpartum women, or those who will be pregnant during the influenza season.
- Persons 65 years of age or older, including residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities.
- People who have chronic lung or heart problems, including asthma; and
- People who have other serious medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, cystic fibrosis, anemia, cancer, weak immune systems (including those with HIV) or a seizure disorder.
The flu is caused by influenza which affects the respiratory track and is highly contagious. It generally spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Following an exposure of the virus, the person likely becomes sick after three days.
Symptoms include fever, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches, and extreme fatigue.
To decrease the chances of contracting or transmitting, consider the following tips.
- Get vaccinated.
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, for at least 20 seconds.
- Cover your cough, either by using a disposable tissue or coughing into your sleeve, not your hand; and
- Stay at home when you are sick.
For questions about the event call 434-766-9887 or visit www.vdh.virginia.gov for more information.