National Influenza Vaccination Week is December 6-12

The New Jersey Department of Health is recognizing December 6-12 as National Influenza Vaccination Week to remind residents to get their annual flu vaccine. Although flu vaccination is recommended before the end of October, receiving a flu vaccine now is still beneficial since flu viruses can circulate as late as May.

“Getting your flu vaccine is more important than ever as we face increases in COVID-19 cases throughout the state, said Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli.  “Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, hospitalizations, and can help to conserve potentially scarce healthcare resources during the pandemic.”

Governor Murphy issued a proclamation declaring December 6-12, 2020, as Influenza Vaccination Week in New Jersey to coincide with the national initiative which highlights the importance of flu vaccination during the holiday season and beyond.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older. Certain people are at greater risk for serious complications from the flu. Those at high risk include:

• Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
• People 65 years of age and older
• Pregnant women and women up to 2 weeks after end of pregnancy
• American Indians and Alaskan Natives
• People who have medical conditions such as asthma, heart disease, and diabetes

Flu vaccination should also be a priority for those persons who live with or care for persons at higher risk for influenza-related complications. This includes healthcare personnel and household contacts of children less than six months of age, since these children are too young to receive the flu vaccine.

The Department supports the Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey’s  statewide influenza campaign Power to Protect NJ and two initiatives to promote flu prevention: NJ Influenza Honor Roll and the NJ College & University Flu Challenge.

The New Jersey Influenza Honor Roll recognizes institutions that are striving to promote influenza prevention at their facilities. The Honor Roll is open to four categories of honorees: business, community-based partners, education, and healthcare facilities. The New Jersey College & University Flu Challenge invites colleges and universities to engage in a friendly competition to improve flu vaccination coverage on their campuses.

“Everyone can play a role in fighting the flu,” said Commissioner Persichilli. “Through the Department’s initiatives, our stakeholders share in the responsibility to help ensure that our communities are aware of the dangers of flu, the benefits of vaccination, as well as helping to improve access to vaccination services.”

Flu vaccines are safe and effective and are offered in many locations including doctor’s offices, clinics, health departments, urgent care centers, and pharmacies. For general flu information and to find a flu shot near you, please visit the Department’s website at https://nj.gov/health/fighttheflunj

For more information about NIVW, please visit the CDC web page at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/nivw/index.htm.

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