POINT PLEASANT — According to a release from the Mason County Health Department, adult flu vaccines are no longer available at the health department.

According to Diana Riddle, the health department has given over 2000 doses of the children and adult flu vaccine over the course of the last eight weeks. Riddle stated this amount of vaccines is the typical amount for the health department to administer and that the amount of vaccine ordered each year is based off the amount of vaccines administered the previous year. Riddle added that not as many vaccines were ordered this year since there were vaccines left from last year’s flu season and that the health department would not be receiving more of the adult vaccine.

Although the health department no longer has adult vaccines, Riddle stated that children vaccines are still available and that those vaccines can be ordered on a monthly basis. Riddle added that the vaccines will be offered until sometime in March or April of 2013 and that the cutoff age for the children’s vaccine is 18 years old. The children’s flu vaccinations are available at the health department from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on a weekday basis.

Riddle also stated for those who have not yet received a flu vaccine and still wish to do so should check with your physician or local pharmacy.

In their work to prevent the flu as much as possible, those with the health department have held clinics across the county at various locations including the Mason Town Hall, the New Haven Community Center, the Ashton Baptist Church, the Leon Town Hall, and the Harmony Baptist Church, as well as offering vaccines at the health department itself.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu can cause mild to severe illness and can, at times, lead to death. It was also stated the flu comes on suddenly and symptoms can include fever or feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue. Other symptoms common among children can also include vomiting and diarrhea.

Also, while most will recover from the flu in a few days to two weeks, the CDC stated the flu can also develop into other complications, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and a sinus and ear infections. It was also noted that not all who have the flu will experience a fever as well.

The CDC also noted those who are at a higher risk of developing complications from the flu, including people 65 years and older, people with certain chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), pregnant women, and young children.

For more information, contact the Mason County Health Department at 304-675-3050.