Getting an annual flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) vaccination has been shown to have many benefits including reducing the risk of flu illness and hospitalizations.
The circulating viruses of every flu season are different and while many people contract influenza despite receiving the vaccine, the symptoms of those who received the vaccine are much less severe than if they had not received the vaccine. This year’s quadrivalent flu vaccine contains the following four strains of the influenza virus:
- A/Victoria/4897/2022 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus
- A/Darwin/9/2021 (H3N2)-like virus
- B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus
- B/Phuket/3073/2013 (B/Yamagata lineage)-like virus
Please review the information available on the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/spotlights/2022-2023/flu-vaccination-recommendations-adopted.htm and consider the benefits of flu vaccination. You can also visit the website link to view the Vaccine Information Statement.
Ways to help you and your family prevent the flu:
- Get an annual flu vaccine
- Wash hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Clean and disinfect surfaces often
- Use proper hygiene etiquette by coughing into your elbow instead of your hands; avoid close contact with people who are sick and if you are sick stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone
Beginning Monday, September 25th, DCHD provides flu vaccines for adults and children starting at 6 months of age, with no appointments needed Monday-Friday from 8:00am-4:00pm.
A parent or guardian must accompany individuals under 18 years of age. Most PPO insurance plans, Medicaid, and Medicare Part B are accepted with no cost to the client. Please bring all insurance cards and a photo ID. We are a Vaccine for Children (VFC) Provider.
To learn more about flu vaccinations, visit: https://health.dekalbcounty.org/services/flu-vaccinations/ or https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/index.html
For more information about the DeKalb County Health Department Services, visit https://health.dekalbcounty.org/ or follow us on social media.