Ashtabula County health department launches flu clinics Friday

Sept. 04--JEFFERSON -- The sneezin' and wheezin' season is fast approaching, and the Ashtabula County Health Department will help residents keep germs at bay with another series of influenza immunization clinics.

As in previous years, the schedule includes several locations that will offer vaccine multiple times, as well as one-time-only sites. Also, five drive-through clinics that offer expedited service will be held in September and October.

This year, the health department will offer flu shots, including a high dose option, and a nasal spray. The vaccine protects against four flu strains, including the common H1N1 and H3N2 varieties. There is a cost for the vaccine, and the price depends on the option chosen. The health department accepts Medicare Part B and Medicaid and private insurance. Call the health department (576-3023) with questions.

The Centers for Disease Control says its especially important for people in the following groups to get vaccinated because they are at-risk or live or care for people in high-risk categories. They include pregnant women, children younger than age 5 and adults older than 65, people with certain chronic medical conditions and people who work with children and the sick.

Some 3,000 people participated in the 2013 clinics, said Chris Kettunen, director of nursing. Half of the doses for this year's version has already been delivered and the rest are expected soon, she said.

"We anticipate no shortage," Kettunen said.

Flu clinics staged by health departments in Conneaut and Ashtabula have not yet been announced. Here's this year's county flu clinic schedule:

--Ashtabula County Health Department, 12 W. Jefferson St., Jefferson -- 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. every Monday and Friday (starting this week)

--Ashtabula Township Hall, 2718 N. Ridge Road East, Ashtabula Township -- 9 a.m.-noon every Wednesday (between Sept. 17 and Dec. 17)

--St. Mary's Church, Route 45, Orwell -- 1-3 p.m. second and fourth Thursday of each month (starting Sept. 25)

--Geneva Community Center, 72 W. Main St., Geneva -- 2-4 p.m. every Wednesday (starting Sept. 24)

--Kingsville Presbyterian Church, West Main Street, Kingsville -- 10 a.m.-noon the second Friday of each month

--Geneva United Methodist Church, 86 S. Broadway, Geneva -- 1-3 p.m.Sept. 23

--North Kingsville Municipal Hall, Route 20, North Kingsville -- 1-3 p.m.Oct. 8

--Windsor Township Hall, 5159 Route 86, Windsor Township -- 1-3 p.m.Oct. 2

--Country Neighbor, 39 S. Maple, Orwell -- 1-3 p.m.Oct. 3

DRIVE-THROUGH CLINICS

--Sept. 22 -- Northwest Ambulance District, 1480 S. Broadway, Geneva; 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

--Sept. 16 -- Andover Christian Church, Stillman Avenue, Andover; 1-3 p.m.

--Oct. 3 -- Ashtabula County Health Department, 12 W. Jefferson St., Jefferson; 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

--Oct. 16 -- Saybrook Township Town Hall, 7242 Center Road South, Saybrook Township; 2-5 p.m.

--Kingsville Township Fire Hall, routes 84 and 193, Kingsville Township -- To be announced

A drive-through clinic will be held at Kingsville Township Fire Hall, routes 84 and 193 in Kingsville Township, at a time and date to be announced.

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