News Release

For Immediate Release                 Contact: Sara T. Pappa, Public Information Officer

February 11, 2008                          937-374-5662/866-858-3588

Greene County Combined Health District

Reports High Number of Flu Cases in January

(XENIA, OH)  The Greene County Combined Health District (GCCHD) has received over 140 reported cases of the flu in January.  Amy Schmitt, the Health Department’s Communicable Disease Nurse states, “Since 2004, the flu season has started as early as October, with the last reports coming in as late as May. Since the flu season usually lasts 5 to 6 months and the first cases were reported in December, if you haven’t gotten your flu shot yet, now is the time.”

Flu shots are available for adults and children at GCCHD during regular immunization clinic on Tuesdays, 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

      In addition, there will be an evening immunization clinic on Thursday, February 14, 2008, 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The cost per flu shot is $30.00 for adults and $15.00 for children.  Cash and checks will be accepted.   Medicaid and Medicare Part B (traditional Medicare; no HMOs or managed care Medicare) are the only insurances accepted; card must be shown.  Robyn Fosnaugh, the Health Department’s Community Health Services Director is in charge of the immunization clinics. “No child will be denied service due to the inability to pay and no appointment is necessary.”

Greene County Health Commissioner, Mark A. McDonnell, reminds everyone to maintain good health by washing hands regularly, covering coughs and sneezes, eating a balanced diet, exercising and getting the right amount of sleep.

For more information, please call Chrissy Roundtree at (937) 374-5668.

Greene County Combined Health District – Your center for public health services and health information in Greene County for over 80 years.

Healthy People…Healthy Communities

360 Wilson Drive, Xenia, OH 45385

937-374-5600 * 866-858-3588 * Fax 937-374-5675