News Flash Home
The original item was published from 9/24/2021 11:16:42 AM to 1/1/2022 12:00:24 AM.

News Flash

Health News

Posted on: September 24, 2021

[ARCHIVED] Health Department Encourages Residents to Get Flu Shots

Free community flu clinics begin Saturday, September 25th; flu vaccine also available at doctor’s offices, retail pharmacies, and other health care providers.

LARGO, MD – As flu season begins, the Prince George’s County Health Department encourages residents to get their flu shots to protect themselves and their communities. Residents can get flu shots for free and without an appointment at the Health Department’s four community clinics this fall (see schedule below or at health.mypgc.us/flu). Injectable flu vaccines will be available to anyone 6 months and older. People younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or a legal guardian. Free COVID-19 vaccines will also be available for eligible residents at the flu clinics. 

The Health Department encourages those with health insurance to get their flu shots through their primary care provider, a local retail pharmacy, or an urgent care facility. 

“Getting your flu shot is the best way to protect yourself from getting very sick or dying from the flu,” said Prince George’s County Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Health, Human Services, and Education Dr. George L. Askew. “If you skip your flu shot, you are more vulnerable to severe illness and death if you get the flu, and more likely to spread the virus to others around you.”

 Although people with the flu are most contagious in the first three to four days after their illness begins, some otherwise healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five to seven days after becoming sick.

 Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk of serious flu complications.

“Getting annual flu shots prevents millions of illnesses, tens of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands of flu deaths nationwide every season,” said Prince George’s County Health Officer Dr. Ernest Carter. “Keeping each other safe and healthy from the flu takes the same vigilance that we have had during the COVID-19 pandemic: get the vaccine, stay home if you feel sick, wash your hands with soap and water frequently, and regularly clean your home and office surfaces.” 

People who have the flu often feel some or all of these signs and symptoms that usually start suddenly, not gradually: 

  • Fever or feeling feverish/chills (*not everyone with flu will have a fever*)
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue 
  • Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in young children than in adults) 

For additional flu resources and information, please visit the Health Department’s flu webpage

Fall 2021 Health Department Community Flu Clinics

Saturday, September 25th

James E. Proctor Southern Area Aquatic Recreation Complex
13601 Missouri Avenue
Brandywine, MD 20613

8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Walk-ins or appointments accepted

 

Thursday, October 7th

Spring Hill Lake Community Center
6101 Cherrywood Lane
Greenbelt, MD 20770

1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Walk-ins or appointments accepted

 
Saturday, October 9th

Spirit of Faith Church
2261 Oxon Run Drive
Oxon Hill, MD 20748

10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Walk-ins or appointments accepted

 

Tuesday, October 112th

Greenbelt Community Center
15 Crescent Road, #200
Greenbelt MD, 20770

11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Walk-ins or appointments accepted

 

Health Department On-site Flu Clinics (by appointment only)

Cheverly Health Center
3003 Hospital Drive
Cheverly, MD 20785

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Thursdays
11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Make an appointment


###

Facebook Twitter Email

Other News in Health News