BISBEE — Staying ahead of what may become a busy flu season, the county Health Department will begin giving seasonal shots next week. That vaccine is not for the swine flu; that medicine is still being developed.

Vaira Harik, heath department director, said children’s seasonal flu shots are free through Vaccines For Children (VFC) Program and are available by appointment during normally scheduled weekly childhood immunization clinics at all health department locations.

“According to the Centers for Disease Control, seasonal influenza can start circulating as early as October and can end as late as May,” Harik said. “The department is committed to providing seasonal flu vaccinations to County residents every year. Our goal this year is to provide shots to those residents who were unable to receive a shot through other local resources.”

Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. So, if you get sick, the CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Any persons who are unable to afford the $25 charge for an adult flu shot will not be turned away, Varik added. Adult flu shots will be available to the public on a first-come first-served basis.

Payment in the form of cash, check or money order is accepted at the time of service.  Medicare Part B members and TRICARE members are required to bring identification and their membership cards.

Harik emphasized the shot will provide resistance to the normal flu strains, but not the H1N1 virus.

H1N1, Swine Flu

The vaccine is still being prepared by pharmaceutical companies who expect to have it available sometime late September. When the H1N1 vaccine arrives, a second round of flu shots will be available through the county health department, Varik said.

According to the Center for Disease Control’s Web site, 7,983 hospitalizations and 522 deaths associated with 2009 influenza A (H1N1) viruses have been reported so far this year. Some of the deaths resulted from pneumonia and respiratory problems. The virus was listed as the cause the death of four children.

SCHEDULED FLU CLINICS

Bisbee Health Department, 1415 Melody Lane, Building A. Telephone: 432-9400.

Friday, Sept. 18: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 19: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Douglas Health Department, 515 Seventh St. Telephone: 805-5600.

Friday, Sept. 25: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 26: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Willcox Health Department: 450 S. Haskell Ave. Telephone: (520) 384-7100.

Saturday, Sept. 12: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.