On Saturday, September 15, the Fresno County Department of Public Health conducted a free drive through/walk up flu shot clinic for community members to help in preventing the spread of flu and to provide an opportunity for Public Health staff members to practice readiness efforts in preparation for possible future public health emergencies.

During the 4-hour event, approximately 70 staff members helped to provide free flu vaccines to 558 people.

The flu vaccine is recommended for all persons 6 months of age and older, including pregnant women. Considering it takes around two weeks after getting the vaccine for antibodies to develop in the body, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting the vaccine early, before flu season, due to the fact that influenza season can be unpredictable.

For more information, call the Fresno County Department of Public Health Immunization program at (559) 600-3550 or visit http://www.fcdph.org/UMC.