Connecticut State Department of Public Health

12/03/2019

DPH Reminds Connecticut Residents To Get A Flu Shot During National Influenza Vaccination Week

DPH WEBSITE NOW PROVIDING UPDATED LIST OF LOCAL FLU SHOT CLINICS HAPPENING THROUGHOUT THE STATE


The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) today is reminding state residents of the importance of protecting their health against the flu by getting vaccinated if they have not already done so. To date, DPH is reporting that so far, the 2019-2020 influenza season has resulted in 69 Connecticut residents being hospitalized and two deaths due to the flu. Influenza activity is increasing statewide and nationally and there is still time to get vaccinated. Local health departments across the state are still offering flu clinics for the public.  DPH is now providing an updated list of local flu shot clinics happening all over Connecticut online: https://portal.ct.gov/DPH/Public-Health-Preparedness/State-Flu-Vaccination-Day-Schedule-2019

“I advise all Connecticut residents to take the proactive step to protect their health during flu season by getting a flu shot,” said DPH Commissioner Renee D. Coleman-Mitchell, who recently got her flu shot together with Connecticut US Senator Richard Blumenthal at Charter Oak Health Center in Hartford. “Flu vaccines are safe and effective, and can either help prevent you from becoming infected by this serious virus, or help lessen your symptoms if you do get sick.  Talk to your health care provider, pharmacist or local health department about the easiest way to get a flu shot.”

The week of December 1-7th marks the National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW), highlighting the importance of continuing flu vaccination throughout the holiday season and beyond. In the 2018-19 influenza season, DPH reported a total of 3,506 persons hospitalized due to flu complications and 88 flu-associated deaths with cases being reported well into May underscoring the importance of vaccination. Each year millions of people get sick from the flu, thousands are hospitalized and thousands of people die from influenza or influenza related causes.

All people can be at risk of developing serious flu complications and exposing others. Flu vaccination can help reduce those risks.

  • Anyone who gets the flu can pass it to someone at high risk of severe illness, including children younger than 6 months who are too young to get a flu vaccine.
  • People at higher risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with certain chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease or lung disease, and people 65 years and older.
  • Getting vaccinated yourself may also protect people around you, including those who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness, like babies and young children, older people, and people with certain chronic health conditions.

DPH strongly encourages all Connecticut residents over the age of 6 months to get a flu shot. For a listing of local health department clinics click here. If the local health department in your area does not have flu vaccine, check with your health care provider or pharmacy to see if the flu vaccine is available. To find a pharmacy near you, visit the HealthMap Vaccine Finder at https://vaccinefinder.org/