FARMINGTON — The Davis County Health Department continues to provide flu shots at all of its regular immunization clinics for members of the general public and for those at risk for health complications due to influenza.
"We've made these shots available during special flu shot clinics held in October at the county's senior centers and at clinics targeting high-risk individuals and, later, the general public," said Lewis Garrett, director of the Davis County Health Department. "Now flu shots are being provided in all of our normal immunization clinics during regular hours for anyone who wants one."
Garrett points out that this is the right time for people to protect themselves and others by getting a flu shot. "It takes about two weeks for the shot to provide maximum protection against this year's flu strains. Receiving a flu shot now can lessen your chance of getting ill or spreading the virus while participating in family gatherings and attending special events during this upcoming holiday season."
For some people, getting the flu is more than just an inconvenience, Garrett said. "According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, influenza kills an average of 36,000 people each year in the United States and hospitalizes more than 200,000 from flu complications," he said. "Getting a flu shot is the easiest and most reliable way to keep from getting and spreading this potentially serious disease."
Besides the flu shot, the staff at the county health department reminds everyone to practice good hygiene throughout the flu season to reduce the risk of getting sick, such as:
Cover your mouth and nose with disposable tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw away the tissue.
Wash your hands with soap and water.
Stay away from other people when you are sick.
For more information, call the Davis County Health Department's Flu Information Line at 451-3333.
Immunization clinics and their hours of operation are: Farmington Clinic: 50 E. State, Annex Building, Mondays—Fridays, 8:15 a.m.-4:45 p.m.; Layton Clinic: 360 S. Fort Lane, Building No. 3, Mondays and Wednesdays, 8:15 a.m.-4:45 p.m.; and Bountiful Clinic: 596 W. 750 South, Woods Cross, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:15 a.m.-4:45 p.m.