Influenza season is rapidly approaching and now is the time to plan for getting your family’s annual flu shots, according to Rebecca Holland, director of Health Planning & Education with the Sandusky County Health Department

The optimal time for receiving a flu shot is mid-October through November, Holland said.

Influenza is a respiratory illness, characterized by headache, fever, cough and body aches. Generally flu season lasts from November through May, with the peak occurring in February. Protection from influenza vaccine peaks two weeks after vaccination and will diminish over the course of six months, thus the reason for needing yearly boosters.

Children aged 6 months to 9 years who have not been previously vaccinated need two doses of vaccine. For previously vaccinated children, only one dose beginning in mid-October is needed.

Children 9 and older and adults need only one vaccine for each flu season. There is no need for booster doses throughout the flu season.

The influenza vaccine is recommended for all persons age 6 months and up. This year’s vaccine includes Influenza A (strains H1N1, H3N2) and Influenza B.

In addition to vaccination, the best ways to prevent the flu and the spread of flu, are to wash your hands frequently, cover your cough, avoid crowded situations during peak flu season and stay home if you are ill.

The Sandusky County Health Department will begin their influenza vaccine campaign on Oct. 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a clinic at the Flower Building at the Sandusky County Fairgrounds. No appointment is necessary.

For more information, and for additional clinic times, visit www.sanduskycohd.org, or find Sandusky County Health Department on Facebook and Twitter.

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