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Now Is The Time To Get Your Flu Vaccine, Says Macomb County Health Official

MOUNT CLEMENS (WWJ) -- With the flu season just around the corner, the Macomb County Health Department is offering flu vaccines at several of its health centers.

Spokeswoman Cheryl Woods told WWJ Newsradio 950 that it's never too early to vaccinate.

"We start giving flu vaccine as soon as we get it provided to us," Woods said. "It is not too early. If you are getting your vaccine now it will last you throughout the season."

Flu season usually occurs between October and May, with a peak around January and February. It's recommended that those 6 months of age and older get vaccinated.

Woods says the flu is unpredictable and can be very dangerous.

"You can be very sick, miss lots of days of work, have to buy lots of over-the-counter products," Woods said. "For our elderly and our very young, actually, it can have devastating effects -- you can be in the hospital -- and often it can lead into other illnesses like pneumonia and unfortunately even death."

This year, the nasal flu spray is not being offered. Woods says the CDC has determined that it's not as effective as the shot.

"We still have the quadrivalent, which are the four different strains in each of the vaccine products that we are offering," Woods said. "So, there are two A and two B strains."

Macomb County has immunization clinics in Warren, St. Clair Shores and Mount Clemens. Clinic locations and hours can be found at the Health Department's website HERE.

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