| Health Officials Urge All Mississippians "Don't Wait, Vaccinate" |
October 24, 2005 — The Mississippi Department of Health (MDH) is now administering flu vaccinations to all Mississippians.
For flu and pneumonia information:
- Flu in Mississippi Pages
- Call toll-free 1-877-978-6453 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Call toll-free 1-866-HLTHY4U (1-866-458-4948) after 5 p.m. and on holidays
- Health Info Hotline at 1-800-489-7670
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"October and November are traditionally the months we encourage Mississippians to obtain the flu vaccine," said State Health Officer Dr. Brian Amy. "According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) there is an adequate supply of flu vaccine, so we are now expanding the vaccinations to include the general public."
Mississippi's flu season typically begins in late December or early January and runs through March. Adult flu vaccinations cost $20 and pediatric flu vaccinations cost $10. Mississippians displaced by Hurricane Katrina may be eligible for shots at a reduced fee. Pneumonia vaccinations will also be available for a cost of $30.
"The most dangerous complication of the flu is pneumonia. The best way to protect yourself from the flu is to simply get a flu shot," said MDH State Epidemiologist Dr. Mills McNeill. "We also want to encourage seniors and high-risk Mississippians to speak with their primary care provider about a pneumonia vaccination as well."
Typical symptoms of the flu include fever and respiratory symptoms such as cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose; headache; muscle aches; and, often, extreme fatigue.
Flu and pneumonia vaccinations may be obtained at all county health department clinics, with the exception of the Hancock County Health Department. Hancock County residents may obtain their flu and pneumonia vaccines at the MDH Mobile Clinic located at the Kmart parking lot in Waveland.
To locate a county health department clinic in your area or for more information on flu and pneumonia, the public can call 1-866-HLTHY4U (1-866-458-4948) or visit www.HealthyMS.com.
 Complete list of county health department clinics
For flu and pneumonia vaccination information, visit our flu pages or call toll-free 1-877-978-6453 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. or after work hours at 1-866-HLTHY4U (1-866-458-4948).
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Press Contact: Liz Sharlot or Kelly Shannon, (601) 576-7667
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