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

NASHVILLE – Governor Bill Haslam and Health Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH, are stressing the importance of Tennesseans receiving their influenza vaccinations this flu season. On Friday, September 19, Governor Haslam, and Commissioner Dreyzehner will receive their seasonal flu vaccinations at the Shelby County Health Department in Memphis.

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

Yvonne Madlock, Shelby County Health Director

Helen Morrow, MD, Shelby County Health Officer

Mark H. Luttrell, Jr., Shelby County Mayor

Sen. Reginald Tate, District 33

Rep. Raumesh Akbari, District 91

Rep. Karen Camper, District 87

Rep. Barbara Ward Cooper, District 86

Rep. John J. DeBerry, District 90

Rep. Ron Lollar, District 99

                Rep. Steve McManus, District 96

                Rep. Larry J. Miller, District 88

                Rep. C. Antonio Parkinson, District 98

                Rep. Joe Towns, Jr., District 84

                Rep. Johnnie R. Turner, District 85

What:  Governor Bill Haslam and Commissioner Dreyzehner receive seasonal flu vaccinations

When:  Friday, September 19, 1 p.m. Central time

Where:   Shelby County Health Department

                                   814 Jefferson Avenue

                                   Memphis, Tennessee 38105

            MEDIA NOTE:  Please plan to arrive early to be in place prior to 12:30 p.m.

MEDIA CONTACTS:  Bill Christian, 615-741-2308 or Bill.Christian@tn.gov or Elizabeth Hart, 901-222-9607 or Elizabeth.Hart@shelbycountytn.gov.