ZACHARY THOMPSON
Director

DR. JOHN CARLO
Medical Director

DCHHS Now Offering Flu Shots to the Entire Family
Shipment of flu vaccine for children has arrived.

October 24, 2007 – Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) is now offering the protection of flu vaccinations to the entire family.  “DCHHS has received our first shipment of flu vaccine for children through the Vaccines for Children Program (VCF) and are now able to offer the protection of the flu shot to the entire family,” stated Zachary Thompson, DCHHS Director.

Recent studies have shown that children less than 2 years old, even healthy children are more likely than older children to end up in the hospital with serious complications if they get influenza. These complications can include pneumonia, dehydration, worsening of long-term medical problems like heart disease or asthma, encephalopathy, and other bacterial infections, including sinus and ear infections. In some cases, these complications can lead to death.   The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends children 6 months of age to age 5 receive the flu vaccine. Those receiving it the first time need two doses four weeks apart.

“Anyone who wishes to protect themselves and loved ones from getting the flu should get the flu shot every year,” said Dr. John Carlo, DCHHS Medical Director. “Getting a flu shot is particularly important for individuals at increased risk of having complications from the flu such as individuals 50 years and older, persons with chronic health conditions, pregnant women, healthcare workers, and all school-age children.” “The flu vaccine also would be particularly helpful for those who are traveling this upcoming winter or those who work in confined spaces with others such as the office setting.” Dr. Carlo continued.  “Further, vaccinating school-age children and children aged 6-35 months offers the best protection against flu not only for these children but also those who may live in their households and who cannot be vaccinated such as children less than 6 months of age.”

DCHHS offers flu shots from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday on the first floor of the DCHHS building, 2377 N. Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, TX 75207.  The Children’s Immunization Clinic is also open until 6 p.m. Wednesdays. The cost is $20 for adults.  Seniors with Medicare and children with Medicaid receive their shots for free. While the cost is $10 for children on their first visit, $5 for children who have previously visited the clinic, no one will be refused service due to their inability to pay. No appointment is necessary. For more information, call 214-819-2163 for information on adult flu shots or 214-819-2162 for information on infant and children’s immunizations.