It’s time again for those familiar needle pricks that come from vaccinations to ward off any potential flu virus attack.
As the flu season begins and clinics provide Denton County residents a chance to get themselves and their loved ones protection against this year’s viruses, health officials are hoping supply can keep up with what may be an increased demand.
Because of the recent high-profile nature of the Ebola virus and many of the symptoms the same as those for the flu, Matt Richardson, Denton County Health Department director, said it could prompt more people to want to get vaccinated, which has the potential to lead to a shortage.
“Every year the flu season begins as a mystery,” Richardson said. “The other thing that is a mystery is the amount of vaccine with Ebola [concerns] and if that will induce demand and we just don’t know yet.
“We’re keeping our eye on it and [still] encouraging people to get a flu shot.”
Marta Stephens, spokeswoman for Health Services of North Texas, said the organization has seen more of a demand for shots especially because some are thinking the shot can prevent Ebola.
“We have told them not to panic, but it’s not going to help with Ebola,” she said. “We do have plenty of [flu] shots here right now for anyone in need.”
Brenda Eckel, medical clinic coordinator for First Refuge Ministries, said the organization has also seen more of a demand and it could be because of the recent “heightened alertness” of preparing for an outbreak of a virus, but she said it could also be due to the fact that the ministry worked really hard raising awareness on how beneficial it is to get a shot last year.
“Sure, we have had people ask if the flu shot keeps someone from getting Ebola, but we tell them ‘no’ and they still want the shot anyway,” she said. “I do think there is heightened wellness awareness currently in many people now because of that [the Ebola scares].”
Last year the health department administered 10,000 vaccines to Denton County residents in the Denton and Lewisville clinics.
Flu activity most commonly peaks in the U.S. between December and February. However, seasonal flu activity can begin as early as October and continue to occur as late as May, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Eckel said she thinks people are seeing the value of the shot and are learning that the sooner you come in, the better.
“It takes two weeks for the shot to build up in the immune system to become fully effective,” she said. “So if you are around someone with the virus within two weeks of getting a shot, you still are at risk, but you might get a lighter case of the flu.”
She said that First Refugee Ministries is looking to give out as many shots as possible this year and encourages organizations to reach out and ask for the ministry’s help.
“I will soon be providing 200 shots to clients of Our Daily Bread,” she said. “I have administered more shots this year than I had this time last year.”
Officials say the elderly and young children are most at-risk when getting the flu, and urge them to make sure they get their shots.
Right now, Eckel said the organization is still combating the ever present issue of some not wanting the shot because they think they will immediately come down with flu-like symptoms afterward.
“The CDC is saying you are not going to contract the flu as soon as you get the shot,” she said.
The three most common flu viruses are influenza A (H1N1), influenza A (H3N2) and influenza B. All of this year’s influenza vaccine is made to protect against those three, in addition to an additional B virus.
Everyone 6 months old or older should have been vaccinated by now or working on getting vaccinated, according to the CDC. The Denton County Health Department has been offering vaccines since the first of October.
It’s not necessary to become a hermit to avoid contracting the flu.
“We need to take precautions, but that always starts with washing our hands,” Richardson said. “That’s not new, not unique, hand washing really can eliminate the spread of diseases.”
Sneezing or coughing into the crook of one’s arm instead of the hands is recommended, as well using hand sanitizer and making sure to use soap when washing hands.
Richardson noted that he tells his employees there is no gold star in heaven for coming to work sick.
“We don’t want sick people going to work, school or church,” he said. “If you are sick, stay home and make sure you don’t transfer that to someone else.”
Mark Lindsey, business manager for Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, said the church did urge members of the congregation to avoid touching each other this past Sunday and will continue to do so.
“Under the directive of the Forth Worth Diocese during our sign of peace — our meet-and-greet time of the service — we just ask members to say hello, wave and nod,” he said.
In addition, he said, the church will only have a one-part Communion — minus the wine — until the peak of flu season has passed.
“This is nothing unusual and generally the directive lasts about three months or so,” Lindsey said.
Free flu shots will be available at the church to anyone 18 and older — even if you aren’t a member — at the church’s gymnasium on Sunday, Lindsey said.
More information about influenza vaccines is available at www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine .
BJ LEWIS can be reached at 940-566-6875 and via Twitter @BjLewisDRC.
WHERE TO FIND FLU SHOTS:
Denton County Health Department
Loop 288 Administrative Complex
940-349-2900
Children can get free vaccinations with enrollment in CHIP or Medicaid, if they are uninsured or have insurance that does not cover the flu shot.
Adults qualify for free shots if they are uninsured and considered low income.
If individuals don’t meet the requirements, the cost is $20.
Health department officials ask that people seeking vaccinations bring their immunization records for their child, Medicaid, Medicare or private insurance cards, as well.
Vaccinations will be available Monday through Thursday 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Friday 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
As of Nov. 1, hours will change to the following:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 7 a.m. to 11:30 a..m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
First Refuge Ministries
1701 Broadway Street
Denton, Texas
940-484-4384
Flu Vaccines for adults and children are available from Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, Oct.30 5p.m.-8 p.m.
Cost is $10 if you are insured, but clinic staff said they will not turn anyone down if they can’t cover the $10 fee of the shot
Health Services of North Texas
4310 Mesa Drive and 4308 Mesa Drive
Denton, Texas
940-381-1501
Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday shots are available, just call ahead
Shots are $10 for regular shot and $20 for a quad shot for individuals with severe health issues
Mt. Calvary Baptist Church
1111 Wilson Street
Sunday, Nov 2
Free shots to adults only
1-3 p.m.
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
2255 N. Bonnie Brae
Sunday, Oct.26
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Free shots to adults only
