Vote & Vaccinate!

A News & Events entry posted on October 29, 2008

Vote and Vaccinate promotes voting and getting your flu vaccination. On November 4, 2008, more that 120 million Americans will vote at local polling places. Approximately half of those voters will be age 50 or older, a key population for which a flu shot is recommended. Many voters also have medical conditions that put them at increased risk of contracting influenza. Also, new guidelines recommend that all children, ages 6 months to 18 years of age, should be vaccinated against influenza. This includes healthy children as well as those with medical conditions. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice (ACIP) released these new recommendations for this flu season, so make sure that your family and friends are aware of this change. Even healthy children, who may show no signs of having the flu, can spread the virus to others!

Influenza is a serious disease that does not get much attention. People falsely believe that the flu is the same as a cold or that they simply will not get the flu. The flu is often shared with family and friends before any symptoms are apparent. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 226,000 people are hospitalized every year because of influenza and 36,000 die - mostly elderly. Together with pneumonia, influenza represents the fifth leading cause of death for older adults.

Vote and Vaccinate promotes voting and getting your flu vaccination for you and your family. Election Day is a great day to get a flu vaccination. Even if you are not able to get vaccinated on November 4th make a strong effort to contact your medical provider or your health department to find out when they are giving the influenza vaccine as soon as possible! Additional flu resource sites include local pharmacies and many other settings. Follow www.flucliniclocator.org to find a provider near you.

Vote & Vaccinate this November!!!