Target is helping their customers reach their well-being goals this year by serving as a prevention and treatment headquarters for this coming cold and flu season. Starting on September 1, 2010, the flu vaccine will be available at Target Pharmacy and Target Clinic locations. They expect to be at more than 1,600 locations nationwide.

Continuing Target’s commitment to provide their guests with exceptional value and care, Target is offering the seasonal flu vaccine at a low price of only $24. Their Target Clinic locations will offer the seasonal flu vaccine as well as the nasal spray for $36.

As stated in a recent Target press release, “Prevention is a top healthcare priority at Target and we’re committed to helping guests stay healthy throughout the year. This cold and flu season Target will be the complete prevention destination,” says Keri Jones, senior vice president, merchandising, Target. “Our guests can feel confident that they will save time and money by visiting Target for flu shots, over-the-counter and prescription medications and sound advice from healthcare professionals they can trust.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, everyone six months and older is recommended to get a flu vaccine. Influenza (flu) and H1N1 (swine flu) are contagious diseases that are spread through viruses. These can be spread by coughing, sneezing or nasal secretions. Children catch these viruses most often, and it can be very dangerous for people with heart or breathing conditions. The flu viruses change, so it is recommended to get a new vaccine each year to update your protection against the different strands that are out there.

With the increased threat of the seasonal flu as well as the H1N1 virus, this year’s flu vaccine protection will protect against both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 virus. Each of the flu vaccines that are given at Target will be administered by a Target pharmacist or Target Clinic providers.

These shots will be available during normal Target Pharmacy and Target Clinic hours, which also includes weekday evenings and weekends for those that are unable to make it during the week. The Target Pharmacy and Target Clinic accept many major insurance plans, some of which may even cover the full cost of the flu vaccine. Check with them before if the money is an issue of concern.

Target Provides Prevention and Treatment Headquarters For Flu Season (NYSE: TGT) was created by and is property of American Consumer News.

• Remind everyone in your household of the importance of proper hand washing. This includes both adults and children.

• Children older than six months of age and adults should receive the flu shot to reduce the chances of getting the flu.

• Pay attention to local news reports. Avoid locations that report an outbreak of the flu. Check with your child care provider on a regular basis to find out if other children are getting sick.

• Do not allow your child to go to school, after school activities or child care programs if they are showing any symptoms of the flu. Call your pediatrician or family doctor if you suspect your child or anyone else in the household may have the flu. If other children in your child’s school are infected, keep your child home regardless of whether or not they are currently showing symptoms to reduce exposure.

• Avoid large gatherings where you or your child are at an increased risk of being exposed to people who have the flu. This does not mean you have to hide in your house all winter, but consider activities that do not include being part of a large group.

• All members of the household should be reminded of the importance of proper hygienic practices which include covering the nose and mouth (preferably with a tissue) when sneezing or coughing. Used tissues should be thrown away versus left lying around, and regular hand washing should be practiced to avoid spreading germs to other surfaces and/or people.

• Talk to child care providers regarding their policies for sick staff or children. All programs should have a written policy for parents outlining how to proceed should a child get sick at school, when to keep your child home and what precautions will be taken while in school to reduce exposure to the flu.

While it may be expensive to keep your child home from child care programs at the first sign of a sniffle, it is worth the cost to keep them safe and healthy. No one wants to miss work or pay for child care services that they are not using (many programs charge regardless of whether or not your child attends) however no one can predict the severity of this flu season. Proactive measures are the best bet to reduce exposure to the flu and are well worth any inconvenience or cost.

Child Safety- Preparing For Flu Season was created by and is property of American Consumer News.