Frequent handwashing and avoiding close contact with those who are sick certainly helps but, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best way to prevent the flu is getting a flu vaccine each year. CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get a seasonal flu vaccine.

As a service to our community, Atlantic General Hospital/Health System is again providing community flu vaccination. We will be hosting our annual clinics for ages 13 and older. The high dose flu vaccine will not be offered. If you desire the high dose flu vaccination, please contact your primary care provider or the RediScripts pharmacy located in the main lobby at Atlantic General Hospital. The flu vaccine is considered preventative care and is covered at 100 percent by most insurances.

Patients of AGHS providers can call to schedule their flu shots or inquire about available walk-in times. Townsend Medical Center on 10th Street in Ocean City will be offering flu vaccines, no appointment necessary.

This year the hospital and health system has scheduled clinics as follows:

Tuesday, October 1, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Pocomoke Fire Department
1410 Market Street Pocomoke, Md. 21851

Tuesday, October 8, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Taylor Bank (Snow Hill branch)
108 West Market Street Snow Hill, Md. 21863

Wednesday, October 9, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Atlantic General Hospital (please use Emergency Room Entrance)
9733 Healthway Drive Berlin, Md. 21811

Thursday, October 10, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Holy Savior Catholic Church
1705 Philadelphia Avenue Ocean City, Md. 21842

Wednesday, October 16, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Atlantic General Hospital (Please use Emergency Room Entrance)
9733 Healthway Drive Berlin, Md. 21811

Saturday, October 19, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Health Fair at Ocean Pines Community Center
235 Ocean Parkway Ocean Pines, Md. 21811

Wednesday, October 23, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Atlantic General Women’s Health
38394 Dupont Boulevard Unit H Selbyville, De. 11975

Influenza, or flu, is a highly contagious virus spread by inhaling droplets from an infected individual’s cough or sneeze. Most symptoms emerge within 24 to 48 hours and are characterized by fever, chills, sore throat, cough and headache. Just one infected person can unknowingly pass on the flu to family members and loved ones because the virus can be transmitted 24 hours before symptoms appear.

Donations made during the Atlantic General Hospital flu clinics help offset the cost of future flu clinics.

For more information on the Atlantic General Hospital Community Flu Clinics, contact Atlantic General Hospital at 410-641-9FLU (9358).