PROTECT YOURSELF.  PROTECT YOUR LOVED ONES.  GET YOUR FLU SHOT!

Each fall the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) offers flu and pneumonia shots to seniors and other adults at risk for complications from influenza ("flu")  infection.  Beginning October 15, 2007, CDPH will conduct over 100 walk-in clinics at various locations and provide shots to nearly 20,000 Chicago residents.

Influenza, also known as "the flu," is a very contagious lung disease that causes over 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths each year in the United States.  Anyone can get the flu.  For most people, the flu can cause fever, cough, sore throat, headache, chills, muscle aches, and fatigue. Flu infections among the elderly and those with chronic heart or lung disease can lead to more serious complications, including hospitalization or death.

WHO SHOULD GET THE FLU SHOT?

• Adults 50 years of age or older
• Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities
• Anyone* with a chronic health condition such as: lung disease (including asthma), heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, cancer, HIV/AIDS, muscle or nerve disorders (see attached brochure)
• Children 6-59 months of age* (see attached brochure)
• Pregnant women
• Healthcare workers
• Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children up to 59 months of age and persons
  

       *Children are encouraged to get their flu shots from their primary care provider or the CDPH Fast Track Immunization Clinics.

WHAT ABOUT THE PNEUMONIA SHOT?

Pneumococcal disease ("pneumonia") is a serious disease that can cause much sickness and death.  Anyone can get pneumococcal disease, but people over age 65, the very young, and individuals with special health problems are at the greatest risk.  If you are at least 65 years old or have a long-term health condition that lowers the body's resistance to infection, be sure to ask about the pneumococcal shot.  Usually one pneumonia shot is all that is needed.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CLINIC LOCATIONS:

Please call the Chicago Information Hotline at 311 (24 hours) or visit the website at www.cityofchicago.org. Or download the schedule.