Governor Bill Haslam, Health Commissioner John Dreyzehner to Receive Annual Flu Vaccinations

CLARKSVILLE – Governor Bill Haslam and Health Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH, are stressing the importance of Tennesseans receiving their influenza vaccinations this flu season. On Tuesday, October 18, both Haslam and Dreyzehner will receive their seasonal flu vaccinations at the Montgomery County Health Department in Clarksville.

Each year on average in the United States, an estimated 5-20 percent of the population can be infected with the flu, and more than 200,000 people may be hospitalized from complications of the illness. Vaccination is the best way to prevent infection with the flu.

Immunization against the flu protects not only the person receiving the vaccine but also his or her family, friends and coworkers. Flu vaccine can be administered in the form of an injection (the “flu shot”) or nasal spray, and is widely available throughout Tennessee from county health departments, primary care providers 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.

Who:  Governor Bill Haslam
           John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH, Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Health
           Rick Long, Director of Regional and Local Health, Tennessee Department of Health
           Annette Haley, Mid-Cumberland Regional Director, Tennessee Department of Health
           Andre Fresco, Montgomery County Health Director, Tennessee Department of Health

What:  Governor Haslam and Commissioner Dreyzehner receive seasonal flu vaccinations

When:  Tuesday, October 18, 2011, 10 a.m. Central Time

Where:  Montgomery County Health Department
              350 Pageant Lane
              Clarksville, Tennessee 37040

MEDIA NOTE:  Please plan to arrive early to be in place prior to 10 a.m.