Health Officials Offer Shots To Ward Off Upcoming Flu Season

You might call it the opening shots in the fight against influenza: The Cabell-Huntington Health Department will host a free, drive-through flu vaccine clinic next Friday, September 26. Marshall University’s School of Pharmacy will also host two public immunization clinics for flu, COVID-19 and RSV. 

With the approaching season of cooler weather, health officials are bracing for the onslaught of flu season. 

“Each year, influenza and pneumonia-related mortality in West Virginia averages approximately 200 deaths, with the majority occurring in individuals over the age of 65, many of whom have comorbidities,” the West Virginia Department of Health wrote in a statement.

October is the official start of flu season. It normally peaks in January and February but runs through the end of May. 

Dr. Michael Kilkenny, the medical officer for the Cabell-Huntington Health Department, says it still carries risk for hospitalization and even death.

“Certain populations are at higher risk for severe complications or death, and those include children under five years, but especially those under two,” Kilkenny said.

Those with certain medical conditions are also at higher risk for complications from the flu, including:

• Adults aged 65 and older
• Pregnant women
• Individuals with chronic health conditions (e.g., asthma, diabetes, heart disease)

To view a complete list of individuals at higher risk for flu complications, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/index.htm

The first clinic will take place Friday, September 26, from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.  at the Cabell-Huntington Health Department, located at 703 7th Avenue in Huntington. For more information contact the Cabell-Huntington Health Department at (304) 523-6483 or visit www.cabellhealth.org

There will also be two clinics sponsored by the Marshall University School of Pharmacy. The first will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 29, in the Shawkey Dining Room inside the Memorial Student Center on Marshall’s Huntington campus. The final clinic will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, in the main lobby of Stephen J. Kopp Hall, home of the Marshall University School of Pharmacy, located at 1538 Charleston Ave. in Huntington.