November 20, 2006 Flu Shots Available at Lafayette Area Parish Health UnitsHigh-risk populations urged to get the shot

LAFAYETTE, Nov 20, 2006 - Each year, millions of individuals get the flu, with more than 36,000 people dying from this virus. While many are ill for about a week and view the flu as nothing more than an inconvenience, there are many people for whom the flu can be deadly.

The Department of Health and Hospitals, Office of Public Health in Region 4 (Acadiana region) will begin providing flu shots. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the high-risk groups that should first get the influenza vaccine include:

•         People aged 50 years or older

•         Residents of long-term care facilities

•         People with chronic diseases

•         Children aged 6 months to 5 years

•         Child and adolescents up to 18 years of age who are on aspirin therapy

•         Pregnant women

•         Household members of high-risk people

•         Providers of care to high-risk people in the home setting (eg family members, home care or visiting nurses, volunteer workers)

LDH encourages those who meet the high-risk definitions to get their shots as soon as possible.

Flu shots are available at parish health units throughout the Acadiana area on the dates below:

Acadia Parish Health Unit – 337-788-7507

Monday, Nov. 27: By appointment only

Wednesday, Nov.  29: By appointment only

EVANGELINE Parish Health Unit – 337-363-1135

Wednesday, Nov.  29: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 30: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 1: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

IBERIA Parish Health Unit – 337-373-0021

Thursday, Nov. 30: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

LAFAYETTE Parish Health Unit – 337-262-5616, then dial 0

Friday, Dec. 1: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 12: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. 

ST. LANDRY

Opelousas- 337-948-0220: Opelousas Main Fire Station on the corner of Creswell and Union:

   Wednesday, Nov.  29: 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Eunice Health Unit – 337-457-2767: Thursday, Nov. 30: 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Melville Health Unit – 337-948-0220 : Tuesday, Dec. 12: 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.

ST. MARTIN Parish Health Unit – 337-394-3097

Friday, Dec. 1: All day

VERMILION Parish Health Unit – 337-893-1443

Wednesday, Nov. 29: By appointment only

Monday, Dec.  4: By appointment only

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