It’s Not Too Late to Vaccinate

COURT HOUSE – When it’s after November and you see signs and banners in your community that advertise, “Get Your Flu Vaccine Here,” you might think, “ Isn’t it too late for that?” The answer is no! “Flu season typically peaks in February and can last as late as May,” says Health Officer Kevin Thomas. “We are encouraging people who have not yet been vaccinated to get vaccinated now.” The Department of Health is offering free flu shots on Dec. 5 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Main Branch of the County Library located at 30 W. Mechanic Street in Cape May Court House and on Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Department of Health.
For millions of people every season, the flu can mean a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, fatigue, and miserable days spent in bed. However, you may not realize that more than 200,000 people are hospitalized in the United States from flu complications each year. The flu also can be deadly: CDC estimates that flu-associated deaths range from a low of about 3,000 to a high of about 49,000 people each year. This is why CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. It’s available in two forms: a shot and a nasal spray. While the regular flu shot can be given to just about everyone, the high-dose flu shot is for people aged 65 years and older and the nasal spray vaccine is approved only for use in healthy people aged 2 to 49 years who aren’t pregnant.
Anyone can get the flu, but some people are at greater risk for serious flu-related complications, like pneumonia, that can lead to hospitalization and even death. For those at greater risk for complications, getting the flu vaccine is especially important. People at greater risk include:
• Children younger than 5 years old, but especially children younger than 2 years old
• Pregnant women
• People with certain medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart and lung disease
• People 65 years and older
It’s also important to get the vaccine if you care for anyone in one or more of these high risk groups, or for babies younger than 6 months because they are too young to get the vaccine. “Getting the flu vaccine is simple, and it’s the most important thing you can do to protect yourself and your family from the flu,” says Thomas.
Flu vaccines are offered in many locations, including doctor’s offices, the Cape May County Department of Health and pharmacies. So next time you see a sign that says, “Get Your Flu Vaccine Here”, stop in. Or make an appointment with your doctor or at the Department of Health by calling 465-1190 today.
Additional information about the Department’s flu program is available at cmchealth.net or at 463-6581.