The Time for a Flu Shot is Now

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Dr. McDonald, medical director of the HHSA Epidemiology and Immunization Services Branch

Dr. McDonald, medical director of the HHSA Epidemiology and Immunization Services Branch

December 6-12 is National Influenza Vaccination Week 2015. Have you gotten your flu shot yet?

If not, you should before influenza starts to spread in the next weeks and months.

“Everyone should get a flu shot,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “The vaccine is the most effective way to prevent getting sick.”

Flu activity in San Diego County continues to be low, which is normal for this time of the year.

For the week ending December 5, 2015, the Health and Human Services Agency Influenza Watch report shows the following:

  • Emergency department visits for influenza-like illness: 3 percent of all visits (down from 4 the previous week)

  • Lab-confirmed influenza cases for the week: 12 (up from 9 the previous week)

  • Total influenza deaths to date: 1 (compared to 0 last season)

  • Total lab-confirmed influenza cases to date: 144 (compared to 144 last season

Your Best Shot Against the Flu

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine every year. The vaccine is safe and effective. It takes two weeks for immunity to develop.

If you haven’t gotten flu vaccine yet, please consider taking a few minutes to get yours. If you are a Kaiser member, you may book an appointment for a flu shot by calling (858) 278-2802. You also can receive the flu shot at the Kaiser Kiosk at the County Operations Center. Doctor’s offices and retail pharmacies are other options where flu vaccine is readily available.

And if you get flu vaccine during the month of December, tweet #SDHealthy4Holidays and include a selfie.

RELATED: First Local Flu-related Death of the Season Reported

Vaccination is especially important for people who are at high risk of developing serious complications from influenza. They include:

  • People with chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes and lung disease, even if your symptoms are under control

  • Pregnant women

  • People 65 years and older

  • People who live with or care for others who are at higher risk

Other Tips to Stay Healthy

In addition to getting vaccinated, people should also do the following to avoid getting sick:

  • Wash hands thoroughly and often

  • Use hand sanitizers

  • Stay away from sick people

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth

  • Clean commonly touched surfaces

  • If you are sick, stay home and avoid contact with others

As County employees, one way to support the Live Well San Diego vision is by getting an annual flu vaccine. You will also be helping to protect our community and the citizens whom we serve.

You can also learn how to debunk common flu myths.

Be healthy for the holidays. Get your flu shot!