Ventura County, CA - With the flu season fast approaching, Dr. Robert Levin, Health Officer for Ventura County Public Health (VCPH), is urging all Ventura County residents to get vaccinated against the flu.

“The flu has the potential to cause serious illness and even death,” said Levin. “Becoming vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu and its complications.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), influenza and related complications are the eighth leading cause of death in the United States. Influenza is associated with up to 49,000 deaths and over 200,000 hospitalizations in the U.S. each year.

CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone six months of age and older, including pregnant women. Healthy people between two and 49 years of age, who are not pregnant, may opt for the nasal spray flu vaccine instead of the shot.

In October and November, VCPH Immunization Program will co-sponsor over 90 low cost/no cost influenza vaccine clinics at various locations throughout Ventura County. No appointment is necessary and the flu shots will be given on a first come, first serve basis. For a list of seasonal flu clinics, go to www.vchca.org/flu.

The 2012 – 2013 flu vaccine protects against influenza A (H1N1) virus, influenza A (H3N2) virus and influenza B virus. This year’s flu vaccine contains two different strains that were not part of the 2011–12 flu vaccine.

To stop the spread of flu and other respiratory illnesses, everyone should:

· Stay home when sick

· Cover a cough or sneeze by using their elbow or a tissue and then properly dispose of the used tissue.

· Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, avoiding contact with eyes, nose and mouth.

About the Ventura County Public Health Department

The Ventura County Public Health Department’s (VCPH) mission is to empower the community to improve health; promote health and emergency preparedness; and prevent disease, injury, and disability.

VCPH is committed to protecting and promoting the health of all Ventura County residents, especially in those communities that have greater health disparities and reduced access to care.

Under the direction of Ventura County Public Health Director, Barry Fisher, VCPH employs more than 300 nurses, doctors, health educators, lab technicians, medical therapists, and epidemiologists and administers a wide array of programs and services including preventative health, community nursing, emergency medical services, health education, infectious disease, epidemiology/surveillance and animal control.

For more information, call: (800) 781-4449 or go to: www.vchca.org/ph