Flu shot clinic is a success

Nancy Sacquitne from the County Health Department gets ready to give a flu shot

The first flu shot clinic of the season held by the Winneshiek County Public Health Department was a success on Thursday.

Around 200 people got flu shots Thursday morning.  Steady crowds also attended the afternoon and evening session.

While it is still early in the flu season, this year seems to be without the stress of last years H1N1 virus worries.  Experts are predicting some H1N1 this year but far less than last year.

The flu shots are also available through numerous locations this year, including pharmacies, doctor's offices and the county health department.

This is the first full flu season in which federal, state and local health officials recommend that anyone 6 months and older receive the flu vaccine.  People who don't want to get vaccinated for themselves should consider other people -- including infants, the elderly, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses -- who could become seriously ill if the flu is spread to them.