Flu cases are still on the rise: No-cost flu shots available at all Lord Fairfax Health District Clinics

Cases of influenza (“the flu”) are still increasing in Virginia, and the flu season has yet to peak. Flu season usually continues through May, so, if you have not gotten the shot, it is not too late, and you can now get it at no out-of-pocket cost.

The Lord Fairfax Health District advises everyone that getting a flu shot is not only the single best way to protect yourself from getting sick, it is also the best way to prevent the spread of flu to others.

“Flu season is really just getting going this year,” says Lord Fairfax Health District Director Colin Greene, MD, MPH. “Getting vaccinated against the flu greatly reduces your chance of suffering several days of flu-induced misery, in addition to potentially sharing that misery with others you infect. Worse, complications from flu can cause serious illness, hospitalization and even death in vulnerable populations.”

A flu shot cannot cause the flu. Influenza was connected to 70,000 deaths last winter in the United States. Those with the highest risk include:

• Children younger than five, but especially younger than two years old
• Adults 65 years of age or older
• Women who are pregnant or just had a baby
• People with chronic health conditions

Until supplies at the health district run out, flu shots will be offered at no cost to the patient at all health department clinics in the Lord Fairfax Health District (Shenandoah, Page, Warren, Clarke and Frederick counties and the city of Winchester). If the patient has insurance, the clinic will bill insurance. Walk-in flu shots area available most weekdays, (except holidays) from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and from 1 to 3 p.m. For locations and phone numbers, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/lord-fairfax/district-offices/.

Flu shots are also available from your healthcare provider, and at most pharmacies and clinics in drug stores, grocery stores and big box retailers. Use the “Flu Vaccine Finder” at www.vaccinefinder.org to find providers in your ZIP code.

Additional information on flu is available from VDH at www.misstheflu.com.

The Lord Fairfax Health District serves residents in the city of Winchester and Clarke, Frederick, Page, Shenandoah and Warren counties. For more information, visit www.vdh.virginia.gov/lord-fairfax/.