Scotland County Health Department will have its “kickoff” Flu Vaccination Clinic on Sept. 11.

The event will run from 8 to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

“With the flu season ahead, now is the time to get immunized”, said Tina Clark, Communicable Disease Supervisor. “The flu is caused by the influenza virus and is much more serious than the common cold."

Each year over 200,000 Americans are hospitalized, and more than 36,000 die from influenza and related complications.

"In fact, influenza – a vaccine-preventable disease – is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States,” Clark said.

Symptoms of influenza can be severe and can last for two weeks and include high fever, body aches, headache, and extreme fatigue.

Flu season can begin as early as October and last as late as May. However it is now recommended people receive the flu vaccine as soon as it is available. In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chance of getting the flu should get vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control recommends certain people should get vaccinated each year. These are people who live with or care for those at high risk for serious complications from the flu including children aged 6 months to 18 yrs, pregnant women, people 50 years of age or older, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions. Also at risk, are people who live in nursing homes or other long term care facilities, as well as health care workers.

There are some people who should not be vaccinated without first consulting their doctor. These include people who have had a severe allergic reaction to chicken eggs, had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past, developed Guillain-Barre’ Syndrome (GBS) within six weeks of getting the influenza vaccine, children less than six months of age, or people who have a moderate or severe illness with a fever until symptoms lessen.

The cost of the flu vaccine is $34.

Medicare Part B and Medicaid will cover the cost of the vaccine. As a reminder, please bring your Medicare, Medicaid or insurance information with you. After September 11, Scotland County Health Department will offer the flu vaccine and/or the pneumonia vaccine Monday thru Friday during normal clinic hours.

Scotland health officials said the single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year.

For information, call the Scotland County Health Department at 277-2440.