FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: October 7, 2024
CONTACT: Erica Sherman, Wood County Health Department, Public Health Nurse Supervisor
(715) 421-8911
Vaccination is the Best Protection Against Flu
Wisconsin Rapids, WI – An annual vaccine is the best way to prevent respiratory influenza (the flu) and its potentially serious complications. Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. Flu illness can vary from mild to severe. A flu vaccine can help reduce the spread of flu to individuals at higher risk of developing complications including young children, adults over 60 years of age, and people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised.
Annual flu vaccination for everyone six months and older in your family is important to help protect those most at risk. Even when flu vaccination does not entirely prevent illness, it reduces flu illnesses, doctor’s visits for flu, and missed work or school days. It also reduces the risk of flu-related complications and hospitalizations. The best time to get vaccinated for respiratory illnesses is late October or early November before these viruses spread in the community.
The Wood County Health Department is offering two community flu vaccine clinics at the following locations:
Nekoosa Community Center
Wednesday, October 9, 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Pittsville Elementary School
Tuesday, October 15, 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm (during parent-teacher conferences).
All children 18 years and younger can receive a free flu vaccine, while supplies last. There is also free adult flu vaccine for individuals 19 years and older who are uninsured or underinsured, while supplies last. All eligible community members are welcome. Parents must accompany minors less than 18 years old to complete the consent form. Call the Wood County Health Department with questions at 715-421-8911.
The Wood County Health Department also offers vaccination clinics on the third Wednesday of every month for eligible children and adults. Call 715-421-8911 to check vaccine availability and eligibility requirements. Appointments are required.
Find a flu, RSV or COVID-19 vaccine near you at www.vaccines.gov.
Find up-to date information about the flu, RSV and COVID-19 at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/index.html.