Galveston County Health District (GCHD) will offer free flu vaccines at its immunization clinic on Dec. 6, while supplies last.

Vaccines will be available at 9850-B Emmett F. Lowry Expressway, Suite B-104, in Texas City from 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. for anyone ages 6 months and older. Walk-ins are welcome and insurance is not required.

?There?s still time if you haven?t already received your flu vaccine,? said Director of Community Health Services Ashley Sciba, MPH, BSN, RN. ?This year?s flu season has been extremely busy. This free clinic is a way for us to make vaccine available to the community at no cost, while supplies last.?

More than 4,800 Galveston County residents have been diagnosed with the flu since Oct. 1, up considerably compared to previous years.

Next week?s free flu vaccine clinic coincides with National Influenza Vaccine Week, observed Dec. 5-9 as a time to remind everyone ages 6 months and older to get their flu vaccine. Children who need two doses of vaccine to protect against the flu should start the vaccination process sooner as the two doses must be given at least four weeks apart.

Vaccination is especially important for high-risk groups including those age 65 and older, pregnant women, young children and those with chronic health conditions who are at higher risk for complications or even death if they get the flu. Health care workers and others who live with or care for high-risk people should also get vaccinated to keep from spreading the flu to them. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies that protect against the flu to develop in the body.

?You may experience some side effects like soreness, fever and muscle aches after getting your flu vaccine, but the vaccine doesn?t actually cause flu illness,? said Dr. Philip Keiser, GCHD CEO and Galveston County local health authority. ?The viruses in the flu vaccine are not live so they can?t cause an infection.?

Flu vaccines help reduce illness and flu-related hospitalizations, as well as doctor visits, missed days at work and missed days at school.

Help stop the spread of flu, COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses:

• Wash hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Consider wearing a face mask when in indoor, crowded spaces.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue away after use and wash hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects.
• Avoid contact with those who are sick.

?Remember, flu can lead to serious illness for some people. Left untreated, and sometimes even treated, it can lead to serious health conditions like pneumonia and lead to hospitalizations and even death,? Keiser said. ?Do your part to keep yourself, your family and community safe and get vaccinated against the flu.?

Flu vaccine forms for pediatric and adult clients will be available in the immunizations clinic on Dec. 6. Adults ages 19 and older can also print and fill out the flu vaccine forms ahead and time and bring them during your visit.