Zachary Thompson
Beginning today (Wednesday, Nov. 18) the Dallas County Health and Human Services will be offering free seasonal flu vaccines for all uninsured and low-income Dallas County residents.
The vaccine provided by DCHHS is an all-in-one vaccine that protects against multiple flu strains, including H1N1, aka Swine Flu. The adult vaccine is available in the adult immunization clinic on the first floor of the DCHHS building, 2377 N. Stemmons Frwy. The children’s vaccine is available at all DCHHS clinics.
Clinic hours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and no appointments are necessary. For information call 214-819-2162.
DCHHS Director Zachary Thompson said county officials have not yet received any reports of flu-related deaths so far this flu season, “but we know the virus is circulating in the community. More than 50 individuals have tested positive for the flu, and at least seven have been hospitalized.
Thompson said three children and 55 adults died in Dallas County during the 2013-14 flu season, and 19 adults died last flu season.
Dr. Christopher Perkins, DCHHS medical director/health authority, said everyone should get a flu shot once a year. “The flu vaccine is the best form of protection against the flu virus, which is why we are encouraging everyone to get the vaccine, if they haven’t already,” he said.
Perkins also encouraged everyone to “practice proper hand washing and other flu prevention methods.” More flu information is available at the DCHHS website.
