November 26, 2019 |
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Influenza (Flu) Vaccination |
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Why should people get vaccinated against
flu?
Flu (Influenza) is a potentially serious disease
that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Every flu season is
different and flu infection can affect people differently, but millions of
people get flu every year. Hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalized and
tens of thousands of people die from flu-related causes every year. An annual
seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to help protect against flu. Vaccination
has been shown to have many benefits, including reducing the risk of flu
illnesses, hospitalizations, and even the risk of flu-related death. Who should get vaccinated this season? Everyone 6 months of age and older
should get a flu vaccine every flu season. Exceptions to this recommendation
are rare. More information is available at Who Should and Who Should NOT Get a Flu Vaccine. Where can I get a flu vaccine? Flu vaccines are offered in many
doctor’s offices, clinics, health departments, pharmacies, college health
centers, places of employment, and even some schools. You should get a flu vaccine before flu
viruses begin spreading in your community. It takes about two weeks after
vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection
against flu. CDC recommends that people get a flu vaccine by the end of
October, if possible. Getting vaccinated later, however, can still be
beneficial and vaccination should continue to be offered throughout the flu
season, even into January or later. |
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Contact Us |
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Email: EPIC@cdc.gov Questions? |
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