Chicago Department of Public Health Rolls Out 2013 Flu Prevention Efforts

Launches over 60 community clinics & introduces a new Flu Clinic Finder app

CONTACT:

Brian Richardson, brian.richardson@cityofchicago.org

CHICAGO – Today, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced over 60 special flu vaccination clinics to be held in communities across Chicago through December 14. These clinics will provide free flu shots as part of the city’s ongoing efforts to help residents stay healthy this flu season. To make these clinics easy to find, CDPH also launched an updated version of its online Flu Clinic Finder that pinpoints CDPH clinics by zip code.

“The flu shot is the best shot Chicagoans have to protect themselves this flu season,” said CDPH Commissioner Bechara Choucair, M.D. “Our online Flu Clinic Finder is just one of the many innovative approaches we’re taking to make sure Chicagoans stay healthy.”

The Flu Clinic Finder is an interactive web app created by local web developer Tom Kompare that includes the locations, contact information and hours of operation for all CDPH’s community-based flu vaccination clinics and CDPH’s Fast-Track Immunization Clinics. CDPH also plans to add local retail pharmacy locations to the app.

For best protection against the flu, CDPH recommends every individual over the age of six months get a flu shot before the flu season starts. In addition, CDPH recommends that residents first contact their primary health care provider to get a flu shot. For those without healthcare providers or whose healthcare providers do not administer flu shots, residents can visit a retail pharmacy or go to their local CDPH flu vaccination clinic.

CDPH flu vaccination clinics provide flu shots to Chicagoans six months of age and older at no cost to the individual. Senior citizens should present their Medicare card. Children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

“While the flu is dangerous and potentially deadly, it can be prevented with a simple vaccination,” said CDPH Immunization Medical Director Julie Morita, M.D. “CDPH flu vaccination clinics are a great public resource that makes getting a flu shot more accessible and affordable.”

Flu shots are also especially important for health care workers and anyone who lives with or cares for anyone at increased risk for flu complications including infants, pregnant women, senior citizens and people with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease or lung disease.

Because the flu vaccine is made from egg products, people who are allergic to eggs should get their flu vaccines from their health care provider.

In addition to getting a flu shot, Chicagoans can also follow these simple steps to avoid the flu:

Wash hands often with soap and water. Regularly clean commonly-touched surfaces such as countertops, tables, doorknobs, telephones and TV/stereo remote controls. Don’t share cups, straws or anything that goes in the mouth. Cover nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing.Stay home when sick.

CDPH flu vaccinations and the Flu Clinic Finder are just a few of the flu prevention initiatives CDPH will roll out this year. Next week, the department will launch its new flu prevention advertising campaign featuring local professional athletes. CDPH will also kick off its annual Family Flu Days in October and is helping lead a statewide initiative called Vaccinate Illinois Week in mid-December.

For more information on flu resources residents can call 3-1-1 or visit www.CityOfChicago.org/FLU.