Media Release

For: Immediate Release
Date: November 26, 2007

November 26 through December 2 is National Influenza Vaccination Week; HEALTH Reminds Rhode Islanders to Get Vaccinated

During National Influenza Vaccination Week (November 26-December 2), HEALTH wants to remind all Rhode Islanders to get vaccinated against influenza.  Vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza (flu) and spread the disease to others. 

Widespread influenza usually peaks between January and February, but cases can continue to occur through May. It is important for people to know that it is not too late to get a flu vaccine.  A flu vaccine may help people avoid giving influenza to others during the upcoming holiday season.

Each year in the United States, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and about 36,000 people die from the flu.  In Rhode Island, approximately 50,000-200,000 people get the flu every year and about 120 people die from the flu or complications from the flu.
 
Flu vaccine is recommended for pregnant women, children 6 months to 5 years of age, health care workers, people 50 years of age and older, children and adults with chronic medical conditions, people in close contact or caring for those at greatest risk of severe illness such as the elderly and very young children.  Children under 6 months of age are too young to be vaccinated, therefore it is especially important for family members and out of home caregivers of infants to get vaccinated. 

For information about where to get vaccinated, contact your health care provider,  call  1-800-555-7858, or go to: www.osaicri.org/   to find a flu clinic near you.

Other important things you can do to prevent the flu:

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water. Teach children the same healthy habits.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue or your arm – not your hands. Throw away used tissues right away.
• If you are sick, stay home from work, school, childcare, and errands.
• Stay away from people who are sick.