Some of you already know too well that flu season is here.
It is time, everyone, to get your flu vaccine.
Even with last year's light number of cases of flu, there were 1,167 flu-related hospitalizations and one pediatric death. The state Health Department notes that the average for flu-related hospitalizations are 4,400 a year in New York.
In the past four years, 34 children have died of the flu.
It is time to get your flu shot.
As you know, most people contract only a mild case of the flu and recover without complications. But the flu can be a serious risk for those younger than 2 or older than 50, for pregnant women, and for people with weakened immune systems or chronic medical conditions. You can help them out by getting a flu vaccination yourself.
Several pharmacies and other businesses are offering flu vaccinations and we note the Visiting Nurses Association of Western New York is providing flu and pneumonia shots throughout the area again. This is the VNA's 21st year of helping immunize Western New York. Flu vaccinations are offered to everyone ages 9 and older. A parent or guardian must be present and sign consent for ages 9-17.
The VNA accepts most major insurance plans, otherwise individuals can pay the $30 cost of the flu shot or $60 for the pneumonia vaccination. Proceeds from the VNA flu shot program benefit VNA charity home care in Western New York.
The VNA schedule is:
Bemus Elementary School: Oct. 11, 2:30 to 5:50 p.m.
Brocton Central School: Oct. 24,1 to 4 p.m.
Clymer School: Oct. 11, 12 to 3 p.m.
Ellington Town hall: Oct. 13, 10 a.m. to noon
Findley Lake Community Center: Oct. 23, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Frewsburg Rest Home: Oct. 17, 1 to 4 p.m.
First Covenant Church of Jamestown: Oct. 7, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Jamestown: Hotel Jamestown: Oct. 4, 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Jamestown Business College: Nov. 6, 2 to 5 p.m.
Jamestown Community College: Oct. 18, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Jamestown: Memory Garden: Oct. 4, 1 to 3 p.m.
Jamestown: VNA Branch: Nov. 1, 8 to 10 a.m.
Kennedy United Methodist Church: Oct. 16, noon to 2 p.m.
Lakewood: Busti Lakewood Community Center: Oct 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Lakewood: Chautauqua Mall: Oct. 27, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Mayville United Methodist Church: Oct. 20, 9:30 a.m. to noon
Ripley School: Today, Oct. 3, 3 to 5 p.m.
Pine Valley Elementary School: Oct. 9, 3 to 5 p.m.
Sinclairville Elementary School: Oct. 16, 2 to 5 p.m.
Sinclairville Fire Hall: Oct. 8, 9 a.m. to noon