Washington, DC - Flu season has arrived, and the Harris County Hospital District is participating in National Influenza Vaccination Week, to be held November 26 to December 2. Low-cost flu vaccinations will be offered at school-based clinics around our area during the week – dates and locations are listed below.

In general, the flu is worse than the common cold, and symptoms such as fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches are more common and more intense. Although the virus is just an inconvenience to some, more vulnerable segments of the population including young children, older people, pregnant women and those with certain preexisting health conditions can face serious consequences from infection and complications.

Flu complications can include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. Children in particular may get sinus and ear infections. From 1979 to 2001 an average of 226,000 people each year became so ill from the flu they had to be admitted to a hospital, including 20,000 children under the age of five. Tragically, tens of thousands more die each year from this largely preventable disease.

Vaccination is the single best way to protect yourself and the people you love from the flu. The time to get a vaccine starts in September and continues through the winter, but the earlier in the season you get vaccinated, the more protected you and those around you will be. Healthcare professionals should be especially conscientious about getting vaccinated because they are commonly exposed to the flu virus and could pass their germs along to patients with weak immune systems. Other ways to reduce the chance of getting yourself or others sick include covering your mouth when you sneeze or cough and washing your hands frequently.

Even if the flu has already appeared among your friends and acquaintances, it's not too late to get vaccinated. More than one type of influenza virus usually circulates each year causing waves of infection, so it's best to be prepared.

Record amounts of flu vaccine will be available this season but supplies are always limited. So schedule an appointment with your doctor or at a local health clinic as soon as you can, or visit a school-based clinic this week as part of The Harris County Hospital District’s recognition of National influenza Vaccination Week. The District is offering $5 flu shots to the general public the week of November 26 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., based on availability.

Schedule for Flu Shots

All times are 1-3 p.m.

Monday – November 26

· Almatha Clark Taylor SBC at Cloverleaf Elementary, 14002 Bandera

Tuesday – November 27

· Southside SBC at Galena Park Community Resource and Training Center, 1721 16th St.

· Robert Carrasco SBC at Marshall Middle School, 1115 Noble

· Smiley SBC at Smiley High School, 10726 Mesa Road

· Deepwater SBC at Deepwater Elementary School, 309 Glenmore Dr., Pasadena, Texas 77503

Wednesday – November 28

· Jerry Neal SBC at Channelview High School, 828 ½ Sheldon Road

· Sheldon SBC at Sheldon Elementary School, 17203 ½ Hall Sheppard

Thursday – November 29

· Patrick Henry SBC at Patrick Henry Middle School, 10702 East Hardy