Governor, Health Commissioner Stress Importance of Annual Flu Vaccination
Monday, October 27, 2008 | 07:32am
NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen rolled up his sleeve today to demonstrate the importance of Tennesseans receiving their flu vaccination this influenza season. On Monday, Oct. 27, Bredesen was administered his annual flu vaccination by State Health Commissioner Susan Cooper, a registered nurse.
“I get a flu shot every year, and I hope this serves as encouragement for others to get their annual flu vaccine as well,” said Bredesen. “This vaccination, which is easy, simple and virtually painless, protects me from the flu, and it provides protection to my family members, friends and co-workers.”
Each year, more than 200,000 people in the United States are hospitalized with flu complications and about 36,000 people die because of the flu. Approximately 700 of the deaths occur here in Tennessee.
“Covering your cough and sneeze with a sleeve or tissue, washing your hands on a regular basis and getting the flu vaccine offer the best protection from seasonal flu and cold symptoms,” said Cooper. “October or November is the best time to get the flu vaccine to be protected throughout the entire flu season.”
Immunization against influenza can be administered in the form of an injection or nasal spray. Your health provider can explain guidelines for each type of vaccine. Supplies of flu vaccine are available now at county health departments, health care providers’ offices, pharmacies and grocery stores across the state. This year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expanded its recommendation for annual flu vaccination to include all children age 6 months to 18 years.
"The flu can have a devastating effect in fragile populations like the very young and the elderly,” said Kelly Moore, MD, state immunization medical director. “This is why it is particularly important that these individuals as well as those who care for them get flu vaccine.”
The Tennessee Department of Health strongly encourages high risk people, those who live with them, and all health care providers to get vaccinated every year. Those considered high risk for contracting the flu or experiencing its complications include:
· pregnant women;
· everyone age 50 or older;
· children age 6 months to 18 years;
· anyone with a chronic medical condition such as diabetes, lung or heart disease; and
· residents of long-term care facilities.
Although no flu vaccine can guarantee perfect protection, vaccination is the best protection available, and it is proven to lessen the severity of flu symptoms.
For more information about the flu, visit the Department of Health Web site at http://health.state.tn.us/ or go to the CDC web site link http://www.cdc.gov/flu/.