Mobile County Health Dept. to hold flu shot clinic

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The Mobile County Health Department will hold a flu immunization clinic on Friday from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.

On Jan. 11, shots will be available to those 6 months and older and will cost $15 during the drive-through clinic at 48 N. Sage Avenue in Midtown Mobile, directly accross from the American Red Cross near Dauphin St.

The wait time to receive a shot can be alleviated by filling out a consent form, which can be downloaded at www.MobileCountyHealth.org. Officials said short-sleeve clothing is recommended.

Health officials said more cases of the flu than usual are being reported this flu season.

Dr. Bernard Eichold, Health Officer, Mobile County Health Department, advises those 6 months of age and older should be vaccinated. The immunizations are especially important for people at higher risk of developing severe influenza and their close contacts, and for health care workers and close contacts of children younger than 6 months old.

The following people should not be vaccinated without consulting a physician:                                 

• Those with a severe allergy to chicken eggs
• Those who have had a severe reaction to a previous flu vaccination
• Those who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome within six weeks of getting a flu vaccine
• Those with a moderate or severe illness with a fever

Flu shots also are available without an appointment Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the Health Department’s Immunization Clinic, 251 N. Bayou St. in downtown Mobile.

The shots are available by appointment at the Health Department’s outlying clinics. Appointments can be made by calling 251-690-8889.