Local briefs
Safety program set Flu shots offered
Fayette EMS will begin its 2002 public influenza immunization program.
Scott Tracy, clinical coordinator for Fayette EMS, said influenza is a serious respiratory infection that can cause serious illness or even death in some individuals.
Tracy added that the elderly and people with chronic illnesses like cancer, diabetes, asthma or heart disease are especially at risk. Tracy said the vaccine is approved by the Center for Disease Control and provides coverage for the predicted strain of influenza that should strike the United States this year.
Tracy added that the flu season starts after the Christmas holiday and lasts until the start of spring, but vaccination should occur now because it takes three weeks for the injected serum to begin working. The vaccine is administered by injection or shot into the arm.
“The vaccine is a reliable and safe method of prevention for the flu,” Tracy said. “Other than a little pain when you get the shot, there are no other side effects.”
Cost of vaccination is $10 for the public, however, the vaccination is given free to emergency workers, including police, firemen and EMS workers.
Flu vaccines will be given at the following times and locations:
– 6 to 8 p.m. today, TriTown EMS Station, Vanderbilt.
– 4 to 6 p.m. today, Nickman’s Drug Store in Uniontown and Connellsville.
– 6:30 to 8 p.m. today, Uniontown Mall in front of the Bon-Ton Department Store.
– 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Farmington Volunteer Fire Department.
– 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28, at the Fayette EMS station on Central Avenue in Masontown.