Connecticut Public Health Department Urges Residents To Get A Flu Shot

Main Category: Flu / Cold / SARS
Also Included In: Immune System / Vaccines
Article Date: 24 Oct 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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The Department of Public Health (DPH) is urging all Connecticut residents to get a flu vaccination. The flu vaccine is currently available and residents should not wait to be vaccinated.

"Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and even death," stated DPH Commissioner J. Robert Galvin, M.D., M.P.H., and M.B.A. "Flu vaccines are safe and effective."

Vaccines are encouraged for everyone, but especially for high-risk groups, including children from 6 months to 18 years of age, women who will be pregnant during the flu season, people at least 50 years old, anyone with certain chronic medical conditions and people who live in nursing homes or long-term care facilities.

"The single best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to get vaccinated - either by the flu nasal spray or injection," said Dr. Galvin. "People should talk to their doctor about getting a flu vaccination for themselves and other family members," he stated.

The influenza season runs from September-April and individuals can continue to be vaccinated throughout the course of the flu season. Manufacturers expect to produce a record number of influenza doses this year with almost all vaccine delivered to providers by the middle of November.

To find a flu vaccine clinic, please visit the American Lung Association's (ALA) Flu Clinic Locator at http://flucliniclocator.org/, call the ALA flu hotline available Mon-Friday 9am-3pm at 1-888-668-6358 (1-888-NO-TO-FLU), call 2-1-1 statewide Info line 24 hour access to ALA, or check with your usual health care provider for specific information on when they will receive their vaccine to vaccinate you.

To learn more about seasonal influenza visit the DPH web site at http://www.ct.gov/dph and click "Programs and Services" then click the "Seasonal Influenza" program link, or call 509- 7994.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health is the state's leader in public health policy and advocacy with a mission to protect and promote the health and safety of the people of our state. To contact the department, please visit its website at http://www.ct.gov/dph or call (860) 509-7270.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health