FortBendNow.com

The Fort Bend County Health and Human Services Department will distribute H1N1 vaccines at a temporary clinic at the Sugar Land Community Center, 226 Matlage Way, on the following dates:

• Saturday, Dec. 19, from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m.
• Saturday, Jan. 23, from 9 a.m. -1 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 27, from noon- 5 p.m.

The temporary vaccination clinic is one of many planned at locations throughout the county.  A list of locations is available at www.fortbendcountyhhs.com/.

“Everyone in the city is strongly encouraged to obtain flu shots this year, both the seasonal type and the H1N1 vaccination as it becomes available,” said Joe Anzaldua, Sugar Land’s public health authority.  “Taking advantage of both vaccinations combined with simple precautionary hygiene may well prevent a rapid and widespread outbreak in our community.”

Anzaldua recommends the following precautions:

• Cover noses and mouths with forearms when coughing or sneezing. 
• Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing
  or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. 
• Avoid touching eyes, noses or mouths to prevent the spread of
  germs.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• If sick with a flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours once the fever is gone, except to get medical care or for other necessities.  The fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine. 

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