October 13, 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SECOND FLU SHOT CLINIC SCHEDULED;

REMINDER OF COLISEUM DRIVE-THRU THIS SATURDAY

Charlotte, NC- The Mecklenburg County Health Department has scheduled a second flu shot clinic for Tuesday, October 18 at Freedom Mall. The mall is located at 3205 Freedom Drive.

Staff will register patients and administer the vaccine in the west end of the mall near the Peebles store entrance. The clinic will begin at 8 a.m. and will run until all of the vaccine allotted for that day has been given.

Don’t forget the first scheduled drive-thru clinic this Saturday, October 15 at the Charlotte Coliseum. Gates open at 6 a.m. with shots beginning at 8 a.m.

The Health Department will continue to work under guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control recommending that people at the highest risk get their flu shots prior to October 24. This group includes persons 65 years of age and older or those with chronic medical conditions. Pregnant women are also encouraged to get vaccinated early. Healthy people are asked to wait until after October 24 to allow those at the highest risk to get their flu shot.

Cost for the vaccine is $25. Cash or checks will be accepted for payment. Medicaid and Medicare "B" coverage will also be accepted. Patients are reminded to bring their insurance card.

The Health Department also encourages residents to consider the many alternatives available for flu shots. Many pharmacies, grocery stores and insurance providers are offering vaccinations and have scheduled clinics in a number of locations. Links with information on dates and times can be found at www.meckhealth.org.

Announcements of future flu shot clinics will be made in the upcoming weeks. For updated information, call the Mecklenburg County Health Department’s Flu Clinic Information Hotline at 704-336-4667. There you will find dates, times, locations and costs for the vaccination clinics.