The Richland County Health Department has announced that National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW), a national observance highlighting the importance of annual influenza vaccination, is Dec. 4-10. The department is saying that it is never too late to get vaccinated against influenza and that getting it now is especially important because the holiday season is here.
All of our staff is encouraging Richland County residents to get their vaccine. “As families gather for the holidays, it is very important to immunize yourself and your family members. Everyone who has not yet received the seasonal influenza vaccine should do so before the holidays. The flu vaccine is the most effective and safest way to remain immune to influenza viruses.”
Vaccination remains the cornerstone of preventing influenza. Influenza can spread rapidly as people begin to travel throughout the holiday season. Individuals who are ill can unknowingly expose vulnerable individuals to the influenza virus. While some people suffer minor complications from influenza infection, the elderly, infants, and those with underlying chronic health conditions can experience complications that can lead to hospitalization and even death. Richland County Health Department recommends annual influenza vaccination for everyone except babies younger than six months and those with unusual allergies and medical conditions.
This year’s influenza vaccine protects against the three virus strains likely to be most common during the upcoming season and includes the same virus strains for last year’s influenza season. The effectiveness of the vaccination lasts throughout the entire influenza season.
People wanting more information may call Richland County Health Department at 433-2207 or consult their health care provider. Influenza vaccine is still available at Richland County Health Department with regular clinic hours on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from noon-4:30 pm. They will be closed on two Mondays, Dec. 26 and Jan. 2.
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