National influenza vaccination week starts Nov. 27

  • Published
  • By 90th Medical Operations Squadron
F. E. Warren AFB, Wyo. --  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced the week after Thanksgiving as National Influenza Vaccination week.

This event is designed to highlight the importance of continuing influenza vaccination, as well as foster greater use of flu vaccine through the months of November and December. The CDC staff recommends people take this opportunity to be vaccinated.

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year, said Capt. Mary Kiel, 90th Medical Operations Squadron pediatrician.

Every year in the United States, 5 percent to 20 percent of the population gets the flu: more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and about 36,000 people die from flu, Captain Kiel said.

The CDC has recommended certain groups of individuals receive the influenza vaccination:

-All children aged 6 to 59 months old.

-All persons aged 50 years and older.

-Children and adolescents receiving long-term aspirin therapy.

-Women who will be pregnant during the influenza season.

-Adults and children who have chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, hematological or metabolic disorders.

-Adults and children who have immunosuppression.

-Adults and children who have any condition that can compromise respiratory function or the handling of respiratory secretions.

-Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities.

-Health-care personnel.

-Household contacts and caregivers of children aged less than 5 years old and adults aged 50 years and older.

-All persons, including school-aged children, who want to reduce the risk of becoming ill with influenza or of transmitting influenza to others.

Nov. 27 is Children's Flu Vaccination Day. This day will help raise awareness about the value of vaccinating children -- especially high-risk children -- and their close contacts.

The immunization clinic is open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. and again at 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday, the clinic only opens from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m.

"We hope you take this opportunity to protect you and your family from this potentially serious illness," Captain Kiel said.