(Estherville) – The Iowa Department of Public Health as well as local county health departments are coordinating a statewide initiative over the next couple of months to offer free flu vaccinations for agriculture workers, their employees and their families to help reduce the risk of infection from animal influenza viruses, like avian influenza. Emmet County Public Health Nurse Sharon Hooge.

Hooge explains why this initiative is solely focused on the farming community.

Large agricultural corporations would also be eligible to receive free flu vaccinations through this initiative. Hooge says ag workers, farmers and family members who work with the day-to-day operations on the farm have a greater risk of being exposed to animal viruses.

Farmers who want more information on the Ag Influenza Initiative or to schedule an appointment to receive the free flu vaccine can contact Emmet County Public Health at 712-362-2490.