Seasonal flu shots available starting Tuesday

The Yuma County Health Department will have seasonal flu vaccinations available starting Tuesday.

Annually across the U.S., seasonal flu claims 36,000 lives and causes more than 200,000 flu-related hospitalizations, according to the health department.

The vaccine is available to anyone 6 months of age and older. The vaccination costs $25 for those age 19 and older, and $10 for those under the age of 18. Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) and Medicare (Part B) are accepted, although children will not be denied services for inability to pay.

Officials recommend everyone get the seasonal flu vaccination.

The vaccination for the H1N1 influenza is not expected to be available until some time in October, officials said in a recent Yuma Sun article.

Those in the risk groups for H1N1 - young people aged 6 months to 24 years, pregnant women, those who are obese or those who have an underlying medical condition - are recommended to get this vaccination when it becomes available as well.

The schedule for the seasonal flu shot at the health department, 2200 W. 28th St., is as follows, starting Tuesday:

• Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays: 8 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

• Second and fourth Wednesdays of the month: 8 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The health department is closed on major holidays.

Seasonal flu vaccinations will also be offered in Wellton, San Luis and Dateland.

• Wellton: Second Friday of the month, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Wellton Headstart, 29126 San Jose Ave.

• Dateland: Fourth Tuesday of the month, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Dateland Elementary School

• San Luis: First and third Wednesday of the month, 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Fernando Padilla Community Center, 800 E. Juan Sanchez Blvd.

For more information, call the health department at 317-4559.