HEALTH OFFICIALS HIGHLIGHT IMPORTANCE OF GETTING FLU VACCINE 

National Influenza Vaccination Week is an annual observance to highlight the importance of continuing influenza vaccination though the holiday season and beyond. This year NIVW starts Sunday, December 7, 2014.

• Flu vaccination rates drop after the end of November. The CDC and the Florida Department of Health in Lee County want to remind the public that even though the holiday season is upon it’s not too late to get a flu vaccine. As long as flu viruses are spreading and causing illness, vaccination can provide protection against the flu.
• CDC and DOH-Lee recommend a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6-months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against influenza disease.

A goal of NIVW is to communicate the importance of flu vaccination for people who are at high risk for developing flu-related complications: Young children, pregnant women, people with certain chronic health conditions and people 65-years and older. A full list of “People at High Risk of Developing Flu–Related Complications” is available at:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/high_risk.htm.

There are many choices available for flu vaccine, both in terms of where to get vaccinated and what vaccine to get. Millions of doses of influenza vaccine have been administered to people safely for decades. Once vaccinated and practicing regular thorough hand washing, people can enjoy their holiday season knowing they protected themselves and their loved ones against the flu.

DOH-Lee gives flu vaccine to adults and children at its main office 3920 Michigan Avenue, Fort Myers from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 1-3 p.m. on Friday. All children’s vaccinations are free. Adult vaccines range from $30-$50.

To locate flu vaccine, contact your healthcare provider, pharmacist or visit
https://www.floridahealth.gov/prevention-safety-and-wellness/flu-prevention/locate-a-flushot.html.

The Department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.