Influenza Vaccination Available to School-Aged Children

The Greenfield Health Department will be offering influenza vaccination clinics during the month of October to provide vaccinations to residents. Annual vaccination significantly reduces the risk of complications due to influenza and will prevent many people from becoming ill due to the virus. For the school-age population, vaccination provides a reduction of absenteeism related to influenza-related illness.

“All school children should receive the influenza vaccine,” city Health Director Darren Rausch said in a statement. “Students in school settings who are vaccinated can significantly reduce their risk of illness and subsequent school absences.”

The Health Department will have a school-age influenza vaccination clinic on Wednesday, Oct. 10, from 3-6 p.m. No appointments are necessary at this clinic and clients will be served on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost of the vaccination is $10 but no clients will be refused due to inability to pay.

Influenza is a seasonal, respiratory illness caused by a virus. Symptoms include: fever, chills, headache, cough and muscle aches. Most people recover within a week although influenza can last longer causing life-threatening complications in children, older adults and those with chronic health conditions.

The best time to receive an influenza vaccine is during the months of October or November. The influenza vaccination is encouraged throughout the fall and winter months because the influenza season peaks in February.

Other Influenza Vaccination Clinics:

• The Greenfield Health Department will host a vaccination clinic for adults on Thursday, Oct. 4, from 1-5 p.m. No appointments are necessary for this clinic, and cost of the vaccine will depend on Medicare eligibility.
• Infants and toddlers can be vaccinated for influenza at a regular immunization clinic.