Don’t Be Blue and Get The Flu…Vaccinate Your Crew!

That is exactly what Inika Jones, BSN, Child Health, and Safety Manager for Head Start/Early Head Start of Beaver County set out to do by hosting a Flu Shot Clinic at the Beaver Valley Mall site on November 6, 2023. The clinic was open to both the public and staff. A total of six staff members were administered the influenza vaccination by Primary Health Network’s Registered Nurse Jennifer Burnett and Clinical Services Specialist II Ashlee Montgomery.

Primary Health Network is a private, non-profit organization that has grown to become the largest Federally Qualified Health Center in Pennsylvania and one of the largest in the nation. Locally, the Beaver County Head Start/Early Head Staff Health Staff works closely as a community partner with Primary Health Network’s Rochester Health and Dental Center, Beaver Falls Health Center, and Aliquippa Autumn Street Health Center.

The flu vaccine is the best protection against flu. Getting vaccinated is crucial step in safeguarding not only your health but that of those around you. It is Especially important for protecting vulnerable populations like the elderly, young children, and those with certain health conditions.  Vaccination plays a key role in community immunity. It is a simple yet powerful way to stay healthy and prevent the spread of this contagious disease that can lead to serious illness, hospitalization, and even fatalities.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, yearly flu vaccination should begin ideally by October, however getting vaccinated later is still effective. While seasonal influenza outbreaks can be as early as October, influenza activity most often peaks in January. It takes approximately two weeks for antibodies to develop in the body after vaccination to prevent infection. Remember to get vaccinated early, hand wash often, and cover coughs and sneezes.