For Immediate Release

From: Four Corners Health Department, serving Butler, Polk, Seward, and York Counties

Contact:  Vicki L. Duey, 402-362-2621 or toll free 877-337-3573

Date:  December 2, 2011

 Audience: General population

CDC: 2011-2012 Flu Season

Title: 

It’s not too late to vaccinate – Get your flu vaccine today!

When you see “Get Your Flu Vaccine Here” signs and banners after November outside medical offices and pharmacies, you might think, “isn’t it too late for that?”

The answer is “no!”

“Flu season typically peaks in January or February and can last as late as May,” says Dr. Anne Schuchat, Assistant Surgeon General of the U.S. Public Health Service and Director of CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. “We are encouraging people who have not yet been vaccinated to get vaccinated now.”

“If you received your flu shot this fall, it should still be effective through the flu season,” reminds Vicki L. Duey, Executive Director for Four Corners Health Department.

For millions of people each year, the flu can bring a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, fatigue, and miserable days spent in bed instead of at work or school. However, you may not realize that more than 200,000 people are hospitalized in the United States from flu complications each year. The flu also can be deadly. Between 1976 and 2007, CDC estimates that thousands of people have died each year from flu-related problems.

An annual flu shot is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. The flu shot options include the regular flu shot, the new intradermal flu shot, that is given right underneath the skin, and a high-dose flu shot. While the regular flu shot can be given to just about everyone, the intradermal flu shot is approved for use in adults 18 through 64 years of age, and the high-dose flu shot is for people aged 65 years and older. In addition, the nasal spray vaccine is approved only for use in healthy people ages 2 to 49 years who aren’t pregnant.

Anyone can get the flu, but some people are at greater risk for serious flu-related complications, like pneumonia, that can lead to hospitalization and even death. For those at greater risk for complications, getting the flu shot is especially important. People at greater risk include:

• Children younger than 5 years old, but especially children younger than 2 years old

• Pregnant women

• People with certain medical conditions like asthma, diabetes (type 1 and 2), or heart and lung disease

• People 65 years and older

It’s also important to get the vaccine if you care for anyone in one or more of these high risk groups, or for babies younger than 6 months because they are too young to get the flu shot.

For those still needing a flu shot, remember that your insurance may cover the cost – make sure to check this out.

Children 6 months through 8 years of age getting the flu shot for the first time need two doses of it to be fully protected. If a child has not received his/her first dose, get them vaccinated now. For children who are 6 months through 8 years of age and have received one dose, parents should check with the child’s doctor to see if a second dose is needed.

“Getting the flu vaccine is simple, and it’s the most important thing you can do to protect yourself and your family from the flu,” says Dr. Schuchat.

Flu vaccines are offered in many locations, including doctor’s offices, clinics, health departments, pharmacies, and college health centers. They also are offered by many employers. So next time you see a sign that says, “Get Your Flu Vaccine Here,” stop in. Or, make an appointment with your doctor or clinic today. Visit www.flu.gov and use the Flu Vaccine Finder to find the nearest location where you and your family can get a flu shot.

For more information about influenza or the flu shot, talk to your doctor or nurse, visit http://www.cdc.gov/flu, http://www.flu.gov or call CDC at 1-800-CDC-INFO.

Four Corners Health Department can provide more information and resources, such as posters and handouts, to keep your business, school, and home a healthier place.  Call 402-362-2621 or 877-337-3573 or send an email to www.questions@fourcornersne.gov.  Keep the flu away from you!