Montgomery County Health and Human Services will offer FREE seasonal flu vaccinations on the dates and times listed on the calendar below. The influenza (flu) SHOT clinics are available FREE for Montgomery County residents. The County’s online appointment system will be open on Monday, September 24. In addition, there will be three NASAL SPRAY (FluMist) clinics for healthy Montgomery County children 3 to 18 years of age, by appointment, on Monday, November 5. There WILL NOT be any preservative free injectable vaccine available at the County clinics this year. Some local retail locations have flu vaccine available now and all Montgomery County residents over the age of six months should get vaccinated. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone six months of age and older get vaccinated every year against the flu. It is very important for individuals with medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes or chronic lung disease, pregnant women and those 65 years of age and older. Those living with or caring for high-risk individuals should also get vaccinated. The 2012-2013 flu vaccine protects against an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)-like virus; an A/Victoria/361/2011 (H3N2)-like virus; and a B/Wisconsin/1/2010-like virus. A flu vaccination is needed every year because viruses are constantly changing. The flu vaccine is manufactured each year to keep up with the flu viruses as they change. Studies have shown that an individual’s immunity to the influenza viruses (either through natural infection or vaccination) declines over time. Health officials encourage everyone to help prevent the spread of flu and many other contagious diseases by practicing the following good hygiene habits: Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue; immediately throw away used tissues. Sneeze and cough into the upper sleeve, not the hands. Wash hands frequently throughout the day. Wash hands by scrubbing together for 20 seconds with soap and warm water. Stay home from school and work is symptoms develop such as a fever, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, headache and body aches. >> Make Your Online Appointment http://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcvaccineclinic

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