El Paso Herald-Post El Paso News & Opinion
The El Paso Fire Department is encouraging the community to take advantage of the Vaccinations for Health program, and to that end, they have extended the program through February.
Via a news release EPFD officials shared, “As the flu season still in full force and the number of flu cases for this year on the rise, the Fire Department is extending the program by adding additional dates on February.”
Vaccinations for Health provides free blood pressure and glucose screenings to patients of any age, free flu vaccines to patients 18 and older, and free pneumonia vaccines to those 65 and older.
“The EPFD would like to remind everyone that the vaccinations and health screenings service is free to residents of El Paso and Hudspeth County that do not have medical insurance or are on Medicaid,” fire officials added.
According to the El Paso Department of Public Health, as of the third week of January, the number of flu cases in El Paso is 661; compared to 1,540 at the same time last season. And just last week, the death of an elderly woman brought the number of flu-related deaths in the area so far this season to three.
Wednesday, February 6: EPFD Safety, Health, and Outreach Center, 5415 Trowbridge Dr. from 1:00PM to 5:00PM
Tuesday, February 13: Wellington Chew Senior Center, 4430 Maxwell Ave. from 9:00AM to 1:00PM.
Wednesday, February 20: EPFD Safety, Health, and Outreach Center, 5415 Trowbridge Dr. from 1:00PM to 4:30PM
Wednesday, February 27: EPFD Safety, Health, and Outreach Center, 5415 Trowbridge Dr. from 1:00PM to 5:00PM
In addition to the flu vaccine, public health officials remind the public to practice the four C’s in order to help reduce the incidence of infection.
- CLEAN – Wash your hands often. Scrub your hands for at least 30 seconds with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
- COVER – Cover your cough. Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Don’t have a tissue? The crook of your elbow will do.
- CONTAIN – Contain germs by steering clear of others who are sick. If you do get sick, stay home until you’re well again, so you don’t spread more germs.
- CALL – Call or see your doctor if you or your child has a fever greater than 100 degrees.
For more information about the vaccination clinics, residents are encouraged to call 3-1-1 or visit their website or the same site in Spanish.
To learn more about flu prevention, flu surveillance and additional health resources, visit the City of El Paso Department of Public Health websites at ephealth.com and epsalud.com.
