--- PRESS RELEASE ---

For Immediate Release

DCHHS reports first pediatric flu-related death of 2018-2019 season

DALLAS (February 4, 2019) – Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) is reporting the first pediatric flu-related death in Dallas County for the 2018-2019 season. The patient was 4 years of age and a resident of Garland. This is the seventh flu-related death in Dallas County for the 2018-2019 season. For medical confidentiality and personal privacy reasons, DCHHS does not provide additional identifying information.

“We cannot predict the intensity, severity or duration of the flu season from year to year,” said Dr. Christopher Perkins, DCHHS Health Authority/Medical Director. “The best way to protect yourself and others is to get your seasonal flu shot.”

It is not too late to receive the flu vaccine. DCHHS recently announced free flu vaccines for children at all six immunizations clinic locations http://www.dallascounty.org/department/hhs/immunizationhours.html

DCHHS is also extending free flu vaccines to adults and seniors at the following clinic locations and community events while supplies last:

Main DCHHS Building 2377 North Stemmons Freeway, First Floor, Dallas, Texas 75207
February 7, 2019 (Thursday) at Paul Quinn College-3738 Simpson Stuart Rd, Dallas, TX 75241
February 8, 2019 (Friday) from 10 am to 12 pm at NTX Fest Fair Park Briscoe-Carpenter Livestock Center, Dallas, TX
February 15, 2019 (Friday) from 10 am to 12 pm at Pleasant Grove Library-7310 Lake June Rd, Dallas, TX 75217
City of Garland offers low cost or free flu vaccines to those who qualify for more information go to:

https://www.garlandtx.gov/gov/hk/health/clinic/default.asp

“Getting your seasonal flu shot is your first line of defense against the flu virus, especially if you have underlying medical conditions”, said Interim Director Ganesh Shivaramaiyer. “Practicing good hygiene which includes frequent hand washing, covering your coughs/sneezes with a tissue or into your elbow and staying home if you have flu-like symptoms”.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for all persons aged 6 months and older, with rare exceptions. Individuals should discuss flu vaccine concerns with a health care provider. The flu vaccine DCHHS provides is an all-in-one shot that protects against multiple flu strains including the H1N1 virus. The adult flu vaccine is given in the adult immunization clinic on the first floor at the DCHHS building located at 2377 N. Stemmons Frwy in Dallas. The children’s vaccine is available at all DCHHS immunization clinics. Clinic hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information call 214-819-2162 or visit www.dallascounty.org/department/hhs/influenza.html