Fight The Flu With Your Annual Flu Vaccination

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NEW JERSEY – It’s that time of year again: Flu Season! You know what that means; it’s time to get those pesky flu shots. Although they might be bothersome, the New Jersey Department of Health reminds everyone to fight that flu and stay happy and healthy this season with an annual flu vaccination.

Flu season is at its peak from December to February and the New Jersey Department of Health wants you to be proactive about getting your vaccine before flu activity increases.

“Now that flu season has arrived, the best way to protect yourself, your family and your co-workers is to get a flu shot,” said Acting Health Commissioner Christopher R. Rinn. “Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctor visits, missed work and school as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations.”

The New Jersey Department of Health is working hard to make sure that community partners are engaged in spreading awareness and prevention methods for the flu in order to increase vaccination coverage.

The Center for Disease Control recommends that everyone six months and older be subject to a flu vaccine every year. Children under the age of five and adults over the age of 65 are increasingly susceptible to the flu. Pregnant women, American Indians and Alaskin Natives, and people with certain medical conditions are also labeled as more susceptible to contracting the virus. If you fall into one of these categories, flu vaccination should be a priority.

The CDC also recommends the injectable flu shot over the nasal spray vaccine because it has proven to be more effective. So mention this to your doctor when you go for your vaccine!

You can get vaccinated at your doctor’s office, a free clinic, various local health departments, urgent care centers, and pharmacies.

For more information about the flu and the flu vaccine, or to find a flu shot near you, visit the Department’s website at nj.gov/health/cd/topics/flu.shtml.