Seasonal influenza immunization is an important aspect of preventive medicine, appropriate for people 6 months of age and older.
Despite the availability of safe and effective influenza vaccines, cases of vaccine-preventable disease continue to occur in Pennsylvania annually.
The Montgomery County Health Department is joining with the Pennsylvania Department of Health in observing National Influenza Vaccination Week now until Saturday.
This year’s campaign reminds everyone living in Pennsylvania about the importance of influenza immunization.
All Montgomery County residents are reminded to spread the word about the importance of getting the seasonal influenza vaccination.
It is not too late to get a seasonal influenza vaccination, and it is better to start the New Year in good health than with the flu. The rate of seasonal influenza activity peaks between January and March, so vaccination efforts should continue through February. It takes about one to two weeks to build immunity after receiving the seasonal influenza vaccine.
Every year, an estimated 36,000 individuals die from influenza-related illnesses, and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized nationwide. Rates of serious illness and death are highest among persons older than 65 years of age and persons of any age who have medical conditions that place them at increased risk for complications from seasonal influenza.
Montgomery County residents can receive a free influenza immunization at any of county health department’s three health centers. See the schedule below for dates, times and locations. For more information on immunization, contact the Montgomery County Health Department at (610) 278-5117.
Norristown Health Center
1430 DeKalb St., Norristown, (610) 278-5145 on Mondays — children under 19 years old by appointment only (times vary); call for an appointment
Tuesdays and Thursdays— all ages on a walk-in basis from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Pottstown Health Center364 King St., Pottstown, (610) 970-5040
Mondays— all ages on a walk-in basis from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesdays—children under 19 years old by appointment only (times vary), call for an appointment.
Willow Grove Eastern Courthouse Annex 102 York Road, Suite 401, Willow Grove, (215) 784-5415.
Thursdays— all ages by appointment only (times vary), please call for an appointment.
