More than 800+ flu cases statewide

As of Jan. 19, Delaware's Division of Public Health has confirmed more than 800 flu cases statewide for this flu season.

During the week of Jan. 13-19, there were 20 influenza-related hospitalizations reported in Delaware and no influenza-related deaths as of Jan. 19. DPH recently issued a declaration allowing the use of mercury-containing vaccine for pregnant women and children younger than eight years of age for the 2012-2013 influenza vaccine. According to the FDA, thimerosal has been the subject of several studies and has a long record of safe and effective use preventing bacterial and fungal contamination of vaccines.

Vaccinations are still available from DPH by appointment as follows:

Hudson State Service Center, 501 Ogletown Road, Newark; age 6 months and older, (302) 283-7587.

Middletown Health Unit, 214 N. Broad St., Middletown; age 9 years and older, (302) 378-5200.

Adams State Service Center, 546 S. Bedford St., Georgetown; age 6 months and older, (302) 856-5213.

Williams State Service Center, 805 River Road Dover; age 6 months and older, (302) 857-5130.

Milford Riverwalk, 253 NE Front St., Riverwalk Shopping Center, Milford;age 3 years and above, (302) 424-7130.

Porter State Service Center, 511 W. 8th St., Wilmington; age 6 months and older, (302) 777-2860.

Pyle State Service Center, 34314 Pyle Center Road, Frankford; age 6 months and older, (302) 732-9512.

For more information, call (800) 282-8672 or visit, flu.delaware.gov. For further information on thimerosal, dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/files/thimerosalfaq.pdf