Its that time of year when getting your seasonal flu vaccine is important to prevent seasonal flu.

Polk County Health Department has seasonal flu vaccines available for children ages 6 months to 18 years of age. No adult seasonal flu vaccines are available at this time at the health department.

As of November 9, 2009 the health department has administered 427 seasonal flu vaccines. Many of these vaccines were provided by the N.C. Immunization Branch to be given to students and teachers. Flu clinics were provided by health department staff and school nurses at school to sixth, seventh and eighth graders. Other clinics were held at the high school and Saluda Elementary. &bsp;

Ways to prevent the spread of flu viruses include:

Washing hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. If soap and water is not available an alcohol based hand sanitizer may be used.

Covering your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with a tissue and disposing of the tissue in the trash. Cough into your sleeve, not your hands, if you do not have a tissue.

Prevent the spread of germs by not touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Avoid close contact with people with flu-like symptoms.

Stay home if you have flu like symptoms to prevent spread to others.&bsp;&bsp;&bsp; &bsp;

Get your seasonal flu vaccine.

Seasonal flu vaccines for children are available at the Polk County Health Department at 161 Walker Street in Columbus Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m.until 4:30 p.m. Please bring the childs immunization record, social security number, insurance card and/or Medicaid card.