Madison County Health urges community to get a flu shot this October
PRESS RELEASE FROM MADISON COUNTY HEALTH:
MADISON COUNTY HEALTH URGES COMMUNITY TO GET A FLU SHOT THIS OCTOBER
JACKSON, Tenn. — Madison County Health is urging families to get their flu shots early this year, reminding the community that influenza can be serious — but preventable.
“Flu vaccination is the best way to reduce the risk of flu and its potentially severe complications,” said Dr. David Bryan, Medical Director with Madison County Health. “It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body to build protection, so we recommend getting your shot now, before flu begins spreading widely.”
Getting vaccinated by the end of October gives your body time to build antibodies before flu activity typically begins to rise. Getting vaccinated in October also means you’ll be protected through the fall and winter months, when flu is most common.
While most people who get the flu will recover, the virus can be especially dangerous for children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions. Vaccination helps protect those most at risk.
“Flu is often thought of as a common illness, but it can be very dangerous — and even deadly,” said Shanna Wilbanks, Regional Director with Madison County Health. “That’s why getting a flu shot is so important. It’s a simple step that saves lives.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that millions of people get the flu each year, hundreds of thousands are hospitalized, and tens of thousands die from flu-related causes. Annual vaccination is the single best way to lower those numbers and protect families.
Key points to remember:
- Who should get a flu shot? Everyone 6 months of age and older, with rare exceptions.
- Why October? It’s early enough to build protection before flu starts spreading, and it lasts through the peak of flu season.
- Who benefits most? Flu shots are especially important for children, adults 65 and older, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions.
Madison County Health offers flu shots at its clinic located at 804 North Parkway. Appointments are available now. To schedule, call 731-423-3020.
“Getting your flu shot is a simple step you can take to protect yourself and the people around you,” Wilbanks added. “The earlier you get it, the more protection you’ll have when flu season peaks.”
About Madison County Health:
Madison County Health (formerly Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department) provides a wide range of public health services to protect and improve the health of the community. Your health is our mission.
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