This week (Dec. 8-14) is National Influenza Vaccination Week. It was was established to highlight the importance of continuing influenza vaccination. An annual flu vaccination is the best way to prevent the flu as well as flu-related complications that could lead to severe illness, hospitalization and even death. Health experts across the country recommend that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine. Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses; doctors’ visits, missed work due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations and deaths.
Influenza is among the most common respiratory illnesses in the United States, infecting millions of people every flu season. Every year, flu spreads across the country, from person to person, among families and communities. Scientists and public health experts have come to recognize that while influenza is particularly dangerous for certain people, it can cause severe illness and even death for anyone, regardless of whether or not they are “high risk.” Even healthy children and young adults can get very sick from the flu.
“One of the greatest challenges we face from the flu is the uncertainty of the disease,” explains Dr. Anne Schuchat, Director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Flu viruses are constantly changing. Each flu season, different flu viruses can spread, and they can affect people differently based on their body’s ability to fight infection.” Since flu viruses are constantly changing and immunity can decline over time, annual vaccination is needed for optimal protection.
Getting a flu vaccine is more convenient than ever before. Vaccines are available in a variety of locations, for example, from your doctor or local health department, and at many pharmacies. Many employers, schools, and retail stores also offer flu vaccines. Use the vaccine finder at http://vaccine.healthmap.org/ to find a flu vaccination clinic near you. Call ahead to confirm availability for any specific vaccine options.
