WCCO.COM At The State Fair
Aug 29, 2009 7:06 pm US/Central
Seasonal Flu Shots Available At Minn. State Fair
FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. (WCCO) ―
-
-
Health officials say getting a vaccination is the simplest and most effective way to protect yourself, along with regular hand washing and covering your cough.
CBS
Even though it is only August, nurses from the Minnesota Visiting Nurses Association are giving seasonal flu shots at the Minnesota State Fair.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending everyone get a seasonal flu vaccination by early September. That's because H1N1 flu vaccines are coming in mid-October or November.
Two doses of that vaccine may be needed and the shots have to be spaced three weeks apart. Getting everyone vaccinated now against seasonal flu means they should be ready for more shots later on.
Registered Nurse Erin Wittenberg thinks there's no better place than the fair for these clinics.
"The public's out there, so we might as well. It saves people an extra trip, especially to go to the doctor's office where there is a lot of flu or coughs, other things going around. So this way people are covered. You're right here. What better place?" said Wittenberg.
The CDC is recommending the H1N1 flu shots for pregnant women, children, the middle-aged and those living in close quarters, like college students.
Corrine Holmes is a freshman at St. Cloud. She's making sure she takes precautions, but she's not too worried.
"I guess I'm a little bit, because you're always with them (roommates) and you're living with them so you can't really get away from it. So a little bit worried, but not too much," said the 18-year-old.
According to the CDC, 5 to 20 percent of the U.S. population will get the seasonal flu every year. Health officials say getting a vaccination is the simplest and most effective way to protect yourself, along with regular hand washing and covering your cough.
Getting it done early is just another reason to feel good about coming to the fair.
"Why not? I get my blood pressure taken, check for diabetes. I do it all," said Beth Zahradka from West St. Paul.
The seasonal flu shots are available at the HealthFair 11 building every day of the fair from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fairgoers are reminded to bring an insurance card because it may be covered. If not, the shots are $24.95 or $32 for Flu Mist. The protection from the shots will last for an entire year.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Sept. 7: Day 12 At The Fair
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Reporting
