County says it’s not too late to get a flu shot as cases soar

New confirmed flu cases in Allegheny County dipped last week compared with the previous week, but overall this season, cases are dramatically up compared with last winter.

So far in the 2016-17 season, as of Jan. 14, there have been 1,505 reported cases — up from 54 cases in the same period in 2015-16. For every confirmed case, hundreds of others go unreported and uncounted, according to the county Health Department.

The number of new confirmed flu cases in Allegheny County went down to about 302 cases last week after a spike the previous week, when the Health Department reported 496 cases.

This season has seen four deaths and 139 hospitalizations; last year saw no deaths for the period and 13 hospitalizations.

At the end of the last season there were a total of 3,147 confirmed flu cases, with seven deaths. In the 2014-15 season the numbers were much higher: 5,214 cases, with 25 deaths reported by the Health Department.

Flu shots are still effective for this season.

Last week, the Health Department announced it is relocating its immunization clinic to a new site at 425 First Ave., Downtown, moving it from its original location at 3441 Forbes Ave., in Oakland.

The new office, to open Friday, is on the fourth floor of the Hartley-Rose building, located between Cherry Way and First Avenue, next to the Art Institute of Pittsburgh.

It is near a number of bus lines, including the 67-Monroeville and 69-Trafford. Nearby parking is available on the Mon Wharf, and First and Second Avenue lots.

Vaccines for travel also will be available at this new immunization clinic. Hours and phone number will remain the same: Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; and 1 to 8 p.m. Wednesday. Phone: 412-578-8062.

The Oakland vaccination clinic is closed today and Thursday, and the phone is disconnected for the move.

The STD-HIV/AIDS Clinic and Prevention Point Pittsburgh needle exchange remains at the Oakland office.