DPH sets mass vaccination vs flu

The Department of Public Health will be conducting a mass vaccination on Dec. 16 as part of activities lined up for National Influenza (Flu) Vaccination Week.

This year, National Influenza (Flu) Vaccination Week will run from Nov. 27 to Dec. 3 with the theme message “Don’t Let the Flu Ruin Your Holidays! Get Vaccinated!” This event aims to raise awareness of the importance of continuing flu vaccination, as well as foster greater use of the flu vaccine through the month of December and beyond.

DPH said a Mass Vaccination Clinic will be set up at the Garapan Elementary School on Dec. 16, 2006, Saturday, from 8am to 12 noon and is therefore encouraging the entire community to take this opportunity to receive their free flu shots.

“The flu shot is an effective protection and an important factor in minimizing the risk and severity of flu infection,” said Edward Diaz, Public Health Epidemiologist. “Most people recover completely from the flu, but it does cause people to be sick for a week or more and makes people unable to work and participate in activities they enjoy, care for children, and cause schoolchildren to miss school.”

“Getting vaccinated is the single best way for people to protect not only themselves against the flu, but their loved ones as well,” said Dr. Julie Gerberding, Director for the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. “National interest in getting a flu vaccination has traditionally tapered off after Thanksgiving. Since flu activity typically does not peak until February or later, November and December are also good times to be vaccinated. National Influenza Vaccination Week is an excellent opportunity for providers to utilize their resources to help fully realize the potential of the flu vaccination.”

Vaccinations are recommended for anyone who wants to decrease the risk of the flu. While anyone can get the flu, many groups including people aged 50 years or more, those with chronic illnesses (heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, diabetes), and pregnant women are at highest risk for complications.

For the first time, CDC is also recommending children aged 24 months to 59 months to be vaccinated, since they are also considered at risk for complications of flu. Children in this age group are more likely than older, healthy children to see a physician or visit an emergency room for flu.

In addition, those in close contact with these high risk persons, such as health care personnel, and healthy household contacts and caregivers of high risk persons, are also at increased risk and should get vaccinated.

To learn more about the flu and flu vaccine, visit www.cdc.gov/flu or contact Department of Public Health at 236-8703. [B][I](PR)[/I][/B]