Posted: 10/1/2018
Parkland makes access easier with Walk-in Wednesday clinics
Fall not only marks the beginning of shorter days and cooler temperatures, it signifies the start of flu season. And providers at Parkland Health & Hospital System are reminding Dallas County residents about of the importance of getting vaccinated for the flu.
“It’s never too early or too late to get your flu vaccine,” said Pranavi Sreeramoju, MD, Chief of Infection Prevention at Parkland and Associate Professor of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center. “Although the season generally lasts from October through March, it can be different from year to year. Since it’s so unpredictable, we want to encourage everyone to get vaccinated as soon as possible.”
Although most people infected by the flu recover, it can be a serious illness especially for young children and older adults. In addition, people with certain preexisting conditions are at higher risk for flu complications, including those with asthma, diabetes, heart disease, HIV infection, cancer, history of stroke, adults 65 and older and those who have family members at high risk.
Still, Dr. Sreeramoju said people often don’t get immunized because of a lack of information about vaccines or a fear based on misinformation and myths. “Some people believe getting the flu shot will make them sick, but that’s not the case,” she said. “After receiving the vaccine some patients may experience symptoms like a low-grade fever, but the symptoms usually go away within a day or two.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for all persons aged 6 months and older even when the virus has not changed from the previous season. “A person’s immune protection from vaccination declines over time so an annual vaccination is needed to get the best protection,” she said.
“Each season is unpredictable, but what is predictable is protection,” said Karla Voy-Hatter, RN, Director of Infection Prevention at Parkland. “Annual flu vaccination is the most important measure we have to prevent infection.”
Voy-Hatter said following a few simple steps could help reduce the risk of catching the flu:
• Clean your hands often using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing to help keep from spreading germs
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• Keep your distance from others who are sick
• Stay home when you are sick to avoid passing the virus to others
• Practice good health habits
• Drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food
• Get plenty of sleep and exercise
• Manage your stress
Parkland’s Community Oriented Primary Care health centers offer flu vaccines as part of its Walk-In Wednesday’s program. Dallas County residents can receive flu vaccines without making an appointment from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. every Wednesday throughout the fall and winter months. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 214-266-4000.
Parkland accepts insurance, including Medicaid/Chip and Medicare. All children will be assessed to determine if they are eligible for the Texas Vaccines for Children's immunization program. Patients who are enrolled in the Parkland Financial Assistance (PFA) program can get their vaccines covered at no or low cost. PFA members will be responsible for their payment dependent on the PFA level. For persons without health insurance, Parkland can provide financial screening.
To find the Parkland COPC health center nearest you, visit www.parklandhospital.com/locations