Public Information Office 210 S. McDonald Street Suite 626 McKinney, Texas 75069 www.collincountytx.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 27, 2006

Flu Shots available at 2 Collin County Clinics this week

(McKinney, TX) -- Collin County Health Care Services health officials are sponsoring two flu clinics this week in McKinney and Allen for those who may want to receive vaccinations before the influenza season is in full bloom.

The first clinic will be on Tuesday, November 28, from 6-9 p.m., at Boyd Elementary School, 800 Jupiter Road in Allen. The second clinic runs from 8-10 a.m. November 30 at the Social Security Office, 3250 Craig Drive, in McKinney.

Medicare, Medicaid and CHIP are accepted; otherwise, the cost for the adult vaccination is $15. Children’s costs are based on family income, but the amount will not exceed $14 per dose. Cash and checks will be accepted.

As of Monday, November 27, 2006 flu has not yet appeared in full force in Collin County, but health officials are advising residents to get their flu shots early.

Any one that wants to get the vaccine can receive it. However, some people are particularly vulnerable to serious complications from influenza and should get the shots every year: children aged 6 months to 5 years; pregnant women; people 50 and older; people who have chronic illnesses -- and people who live in nursing homes.

The “flu” is a contagious respiratory illness that is caused by influenza viruses that affect 5-20% of the U. S. population every year. More than 200,000 people are hospitalized with flu complications and 36,000 people die from the flu each year in the U.S. alone.

Collin County’s clinics also coincide with National Influenza Vaccination Week, a public education campaign by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For more information on influenza, visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov.

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