Health officials: Seasonal flu vaccine still important

Related Link: Flu Clinics In Rhode Island (pdf)
Related Link: VNA Flu Clinics In Southeastern Massachusetts

LITTLE COMPTON, R.I.—There’s been a lot of emphasis on the H1N1 vaccine, but health officials want to remind people that the seasonal flu vaccine is just as important.

Health officials really want to emphasize the importance of getting the seasonal flu shot, especially senior citizens or people with chronic health conditions.

A number of businesses and agencies are offering the protective shot in the arm. The Visiting Nurse Association of Southeastern Massachusetts is one of them, holding public flu clinics at a variety of locations throughout its region.

The agency held a clinic in Little Compton on Wednesday.

“I think there are more concerns. This is an early clinic. They’re pushing the clinics to be earlier because they want to make sure that everybody gets their seasonal flu shot before they potentially go in for giving vaccines out for the H1N1,“ said Nan Haffenreffer of the VNA Southeastern Massachusetts.

Children 18 and under can receive their seasonal flu shots in their pediatricians’ office free of charge.

There is some delay in the total shipment of the seasonal vaccine for children, so if your doctor’s office doesn’t yet have it, it is on its way.

When the H1N1 vaccine becomes available in the coming weeks, it will be administered in school-based clinics.