National Influenza Vaccination Week is December 6-12, 2015
The holidays are meant for gathering with family and friends, decorating, and indulging in delicious meals. Don’t let the flu virus keep you stuck in bed. National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) is Dec. 6-12, and Cobb & Douglas Public Health (CDPH) urges all residents 6 months of age and older to get a yearly flu vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established NIVW week in 2005 to take a proactive approach to educating the community and health care sector about influenza disease. Take this time and schedule an appointment with your health care provider or your local public health department to get your flu vaccine.
“Flu season can begin as early as August and even last through May,” said Priti Kolhe, CDPH District Immunization Director. “It’s important that residents understand the best way to protect against influenza is to receive an annual flu vaccine. As long as the virus is circulating, it’s never too late to vaccinate.”
Influenza can be a serious disease that leads to hospitalization and sometimes death. Regardless of race, age, gender or ethnicity, anyone can get sick from the flu. Those especially at risk are adults 65 years of age and older, children younger than 5, pregnant women, and people with certain chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease or other long-term medical conditions.
National Influenza Vaccination Week emphasizes the importance of receiving an annual flu vaccination. Even healthy children and adults can get very sick from the flu. So this winter, Cobb & Douglas Public Health encourages residents to visit the Marietta, East Cobb, Acworth or Douglas Public Health Centers to receive their flu vaccine, no appointment necessary.