National Influenza Vaccination Week highlights the importance of flu vaccination for the best protection against the flu. The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against seasonal flu viruses. If you haven't gotten your flu vaccine yet, now's the time!

The flu can make even healthy people very sick. It can also cause serious complications for children younger than 5, pregnant women, people 65 years and older and people with certain chronic health conditions. Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors' visits, missed work due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations and death.

Flu activity usually peaks between December and February in the United States and can last as late as May. Tompkins County often experiences a peak of flu illness during January and February when holiday travelers return to the area. The sooner you get vaccinated, the more likely you are to be protected against flu.

There are many opportunities in the community for flu vaccination including health care provider offices, pharmacies, and the Tompkins County Health Department; call first to confirm. It's important to remember that if flu viruses are circulating, it's not too late to get vaccinated.


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