The United States experiences annual epidemics of seasonal flu, a time of year the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) calls “flu season.” According to the CDC, flu viruses are most common during the fall and winter months in the U.S.
Influenza activity often begins to increase in October and November, the CDC says, peaking between December and February and can last as late as May. The CDC says it monitors certain key flu indicators — like outpatient visits of flu-like illness, lab results and flu hospitalizations. When these indicators rise and remain elevated for a number of consecutive weeks, the CDC says the “flu season” has begun.
For parents needing the flu vaccine for children, several options are available.
Owensboro Pediatrics said they did have a small flu shot clinic over fall break, but do not have one planned in the future. They do have a shot nurse in the office at all times and no appointment is necessary for children to get the flu shot. Walk-ins are welcome from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Owensboro Health Medical Group – Children’s Center will host a flu shot clinic on Nov. 14 from 4 to 6 p.m., where patients are encouraged to walk in. The office will also offer the flu shot by appointment on Tuesdays and Fridays.
The Green River District Health Department has already visited numerous sites to administer the flu vaccine this year. According to Anita Owens, director of nursing for GRDHD, any parent bringing children coming in for any service is offered the flu vaccine automatically this time of year. Owens said the health department encourages all parents to have their children vaccinated and they can call any health center for an appointment.
