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Every year, influenza (the flu) affects about three to 11% of Americans. This common illness is highly contagious. It can spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
Sometimes, the flu can be very severe and lead to death. Older adults are especially vulnerable to illnesses like the flu. However, getting the flu vaccine may prevent you from getting sick.
National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) occurs every year between December 4th – 8th. Here’s more about NIVW and why you should get the yearly flu influenza vaccination.
What Is National Influenza Vaccination Week?
The purpose of NIVW is to remind you to get vaccinated against the flu. The number of flu infections peaks between December and February. NIVW is the perfect time to get the flu vaccine if you haven’t already.
Getting a yearly flu vaccine is the best way to prevent the flu. This week, use NIVW to encourage your friends and loved ones to get their yearly flu shot. The more people who get vaccinated, the better everyone can be protected from the flu.
Why You Should Get Vaccinated
The flu virus changes every year. There are usually several strains of the flu going around. The flu vaccine itself also changes every year. It is changed to protect you against that year’s strains.
Also, your protection against the flu goes away over time. A yearly flu shot can give you extra protection against the flu from one year to the next.
The CDC says that from 2010 to 2020, the flu caused between 12,000 and 52,000 deaths. The flu shot can help you stay protected if you are at high risk of dying from the flu.
Here are other reasons to get the flu vaccine:
- It may prevent flu-related illness.
- It can prevent doctor’s visits.
- It can prevent you from being hospitalized.
- It can prevent you from getting another strain of the flu you haven’t had.
- It can reduce your symptoms of the flu if you end up getting sick.
- It can lower the rate of cardiac events in people with heart disease.
- It can prevent chronic lung disease from getting worse if you get the flu.
- It can protect young children from the flu.
- It can protect vulnerable people around you.
- It can help you stay healthy during flu season.
When to Get a Flu Shot
September and October are the best times to get the flu vaccine. However, you can get the flu vaccine any time during flu season. It usually becomes available in September.
Most health insurance providers usually cover the flu vaccine. It is also covered by Medicare Part B.
The flu shot is available from your primary care doctor. It is also offered at many pharmacies and community health centers.
This year, during NIVW, see your doctor for the latest flu shot. Encourage your friends and loved ones to do the same.
Jai Medical Systems can connect you with influenza vaccine providers. Contact us today at 1-888-524-1999 to learn more about our benefits and services.