Baltimore County Is Targeting The Flu Before Season Starts

BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. (WJZ) -- Targeting the flu--before the season strikes. One county is taking precautions now.

Gigi Barnett has more.

First thing on the agenda this weekend for the Wolff family: get a flu shot.

"I just saw it and I was like, `OK, I'm getting the flu shot,'" said Oliver Wolff.

They had plenty of company this weekend at the Baltimore County's Flu Clinic on York Road. It's one of seven held countywide. Getting the shots or the mist is free.

"I tell everyone if you're six months or older, you should get your flu shot and you should get the flu shot to protect the ones who are less than six months old," said Baltimore County Health Director Dr. Gregory Branch.

And getting it now is weeks ahead of the most severe part of the season.

"I was a little nervous, but it was painless. I felt pressure in my arm a little, but it was painless," said patient Sylvia Seymour.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, nationwide, the flu season usually peaks between December and February, but it can strike as early as October. What's more: the flu fatality rate across the country is often overlooked.

"It's actually amazing how people forget that thousands of people will die from the flu," said Dr. Antonio Wolff. "From a population standpoint, it's so much more important for us to be worried about the flu."

If you missed this weekend's free flu shot clinic, the county says you can always head over to one of its eight health centers and get your free flu shot there.

The county had enough vaccines for more than 5,000 people. A drive-thru flu shot clinic is set for next Sunday at the Community College of Baltimore County's Essex campus.

Other Local News: