President Preckwinkle Kicks Off Seasonal Flu Shot Campaign

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and her team are leading by example this winter, kicking off a new Seasonal Flu Shot Campaign by receiving the preventative vaccination today at the Cook County Building’s health services facility. Joined by Assessor Joe Berrios, Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown, and her senior leadership, President Preckwinkle urged county employees and county residents to protect themselves this holiday season. As part of the president’s effort to raise awareness of influenza risks, flu shots that normally retail for more than $30 are being offered free of charge to all of the county’s 22,000 employees. Additionally, information on the flu shot and tips to stay healthy this winter will be available to the public at county facilities. Studies show a significant number of Americans do not get the flu shot, despite recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that everyone older than six months receive the vaccination. President Preckwinkle’s Seasonal Flu Shot Campaign is part of an ongoing effort to promote quality healthcare and ensure a happy and healthy holiday season for Cook County residents. “One of the top missions of County government is to provide and promote quality healthcare, and that should start here in the workplace.” Preckwinkle said. “Protect yourself against influenza risks during the holidays by getting a flu vaccine. In accordance with our performance management initiative, we are working to reduce the cost of employee sick-time during what is expected to be a difficult winter. I hope everyone takes part in this important program.” Research has found the flu vaccine can reduce the risk of catching the illness, can lessen the severity of the flu, and consequently limit serious complications and death. In order to take advantage of the free flu shots, Cook County employees need only show their government identification. The free vaccinations will be offered from Tuesday, December 13 until Thursday, December 22 at the County Building, Oak Forest Health Center, and the Bridgeview, Rolling Meadows, Markham, Maywood and Skokie courthouses. The president’s office is conducting the vaccination initiative in partnership with the Cook County Health and Hospital System and the Cook County Department of Public Health.