Potomac Community Center will be among the sites around the county to offer flu shots this fall. A portion of the proceeds from shots given at the community center will be donated to the center.
Four local hospitals and the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services will hold influenza clinics throughout the county. Vaccines will be given first to individuals at high risk of developing complications from the flu. Individuals in lower risk categories, healthy people 50–64 years old, and anyone who wants to prevent the flu, are asked to wait until late November. Flu shots are recommended for those at high risk including:
* People over 65 years of age.
* Adults and children who have chronic health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, asthma, cancer and HIV/AIDS.
* Children 6–23 months old. The only flu vaccine clinics for children under the age of 18 will be sites operated by the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services. A parent or legal guardian must accompany children. Children between 6 months and 8 years, who are receiving their very first flu shot, should get the flu shot early so that they can receive the booster shot in one month.
* Women who will be in the second or third trimester of pregnancy during the influenza season. Pregnant women must bring a note from their physician in order to receive the vaccination at sites operated by Montgomery County Health and Human Services sites.
* Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities.
* Health workers giving direct care to and have household contacts with those at high risk for complications from flu or pneumonia.
* Household contacts or care-givers of someone at high risk for developing complications from the flu.
Flu shots are given on a first-come, first-served basis. Pneumonia shots will also be available at some locations. A donation of $10 or $25 for each person per shot is requested, depending on the location. Persons with Medicare will not be asked for a donation if they bring their Medicare card.
In addition to flu clinics sponsored by the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, other community groups are sponsoring flu clinics. For more information about other flu shot programs, go to www.medstarhealthvna.org/mc.htm or www.findaflushot.com.
For more information on vaccinations and clinic locations, call the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services Immunization Hotline at 240-777-1520 or go to www.co.mo.md.us/hhs.
<lst>Upcoming dates for flu shots:
* Saturday, Oct. 26, 9 a.m.-noon
* Saturday, Nov. 9, 9 a.m.-noon
Lambert Building (next to Suburban Hospital)
8600 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda
301-896-3939
* Tuesday, Oct. 27, 9 a.m.-noon
Potomac Community Center
11315 Falls Road, Potomac
301-983-4471
Sponsored by U.S. Wellness. Flu shots are $20. Appointment required.
* Friday, Nov. 1, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Shady Grove Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
9701 Medical Center Drive, Rockville
301-315-1923
* Wednesday, Nov. 6, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Shady Grove Adventist Hospital (Weinschel Education Center)
9901 Medical Center Drive, Rockville
301-279-6000
* Wednesday, Nov. 13, 1-3 p.m.
St. George Greek Orthodox Church
7701 Bradley Blvd., Bethesda
301-469-7990
* Friday, Nov. 15, 1-4 p.m.
Jewish Community Center
6125 Montrose Road, Rockville
301-230-1317
* Wednesday, Nov. 20, 1-3 p.m.
Bethesda Senior Source
4805 Edgemoor Lane, Bethesda
301-951-1990
* Wednesday, Nov. 20, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
St. Peter's Parish
20100 Fishers Ave., Poolesville
301-349-2073
* Saturday, Nov. 23, 9 a.m.-12 noon
Lambert Building
(next to Suburban Hospital)
8600 Old Georgetown Rd., Bethesda
301-896-3939
* Saturday, Nov. 23, 1-3 p.m.
Rockville SDA Church
727 W. Montgomery Ave., Rockville
301-424-4277