Governor Haslam and Commissioner Dreyzehner Get Annual Flu Shots

State Officials Encourage Tennesseans to Get Flu Vaccines Now

CHATTANOOGA – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH received their annual flu shots today in Chattanooga and encourage other Tennesseans to do the same. Immunization against the flu protects not only the person receiving the vaccine but also his or her family, friends and coworkers.

‘’Getting a flu shot is such a quick and easy thing to do and it will help keep you, your family and others around you healthy this winter,’’ Governor Haslam said. ‘’The flu vaccine is available across the state, so there’s no reason not to get one.’’

Flu vaccine is arriving throughout Tennessee and is already available in many locations, including county health departments, medical clinics and pharmacies. The Tennessee Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urge annual flu vaccination for everyone over six months of age.

‘’It’s very simple:  when you get a flu shot you are protecting yourself, but you’re also protecting others who may be more susceptible to illnesses like influenza including the elderly and infants,” said Dreyzehner. “With so many options when it comes to getting a flu shot, isn't it worth a few minutes of your time to protect not only yourself but so many other people around you?’’

After getting your flu vaccination, it’s still important to practice good health habits to protect yourself from the flu and other winter viruses, and to prevent spreading them to others if you do get sick. Good health habits include frequent hand washing with soapy water or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and covering coughs and sneezes with a sleeve or tissue. People who are sick should stay home to recover and to prevent spreading illness to co-workers, friends and others.

Learn more about the benefits of getting a flu vaccine this year at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/flu/default.htm.

The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health is to protect, promote and improve the health and prosperity of people in Tennessee. TDH has facilities in all 95 counties and provides direct services for more than one in five Tennesseans annually as well as indirect services for everyone in the state, including emergency response to health threats, licensure of health professionals, regulation of health care facilities and inspection of food service establishments. Learn more about TDH services and programs at www.tn.gov/health.