Influenza can be a serious disease, especially in the very young, the very old and in people with certain medical conditions which make them vulnerable to the effects of flu. Influenza is also the cause of many school and work absences. Although no vaccine provides 100% protection, it is important that as many people as possible be vaccinated.
This year the Central Shenandoah Health District (Virginia Department of Health) and Bath County Public Schools are partnering to offer students the nasal mist vaccine against influenza, Flumist, which appears to be the most effective in children with the exception of children with asthma who regularly use inhalers and children with weakened immune systems. These children should receive the injectable vaccine from their health care provider or the local health department.
Flu clinics have been scheduled for each school:
Millboro Elementary School – Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Valley Elementary School – Monday, October 20, 2014
BCHS – Wednesday, October 22, 2014
The charge for the vaccine is $25 for each dose. The Health Department will accept payments from insurance companies or payers with which the VDH has a billing arrangement, including Medicaid, Medicare, Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield, FAMIS, Coventry Cares, Optima, Carenet, Virginia Premier, Majesta Care, and Anthem Healthkeepers Plus. If your child is insured by some other company, you will receive a bill for $25 per dose.
Should you have any questions, contact Jackie Baughan, R.N., at the Bath County Health Department (839-7246).