Nationally, the spread of Influenza is still falling in the low and moderate range, but that does not mean we can become complacent about flu vaccinations!
It’s Not to Late for Flu Shots!
FLASS Special Alert! Do you know that this week, Dec. 4-10, is National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW)? Florida Lung, Asthma and Sleep Specialists join with the CDC to remind you it’s not too late to get your flu shots!
The CDC began the tradition of National Influenza Vaccination Week in 2005, and they have announced it each year.
Attention: What is the NIVW?
The purpose of the NIVW (National Influenza Vaccination Week) awareness campaign is to stress the importance of flu shots. FLASS reminds you that the flu does not stop for the coming holiday.
In spite of your heavy December schedule of holiday planning, we believe that your health, and your family’s health, must come first. Please make time for your flu shots.
FLASS wants to make sure you know that getting your flu shots should a priority on your “to do” list.
1. There is a misconception that December is too late for getting the flu shots.
Last flu season, statistics report that less than half (40%) of the people who should have taken the flu shots, reported getting their shots.
So, we fear that many people believe this misconception that it is to late. So, they remove “get flu shots” from their to-do lists.
2. The CDC has stated, “As long as flu viruses are spreading and causing illness, vaccination should continue throughout the flu season in order to protect as many people as possible against the flu.”
3. Remember that, even if you have already gotten sick and had the flu, you can derive protection from the vaccine because it was developed to protect against 3-4 different influenza viruses.
4. Even if you haven’t yet been vaccinated, it’s not too late!
Attention! Are You High Risk?
If you are on our high risk list below, and have not yet gotten a flu shot, we are reaching out to you with this Red Alert Bulletin! The Time for your Flu Shot is Now!
It’s Not to Late for Flu Shots in December.
The FLASS High Risk List: This means you could develop flu-related complications that could be very serious:
1. young children, pregnant women,
2. people with certain chronic health conditions, (including asthma, diabetes, heart disease or lung disease,)
3. people aged 65 years and older.
The Doctors and staff of Florida Lung, Asthma and Sleep Specialists don’t want to cause unnecessary anxiety, but, like the Huffington Post, and many civic minded organizations, we are issuing an official National Influenza Vaccination Week Red Alert!
Just remember, if you are in the above three general groups, there’s a strong chance the flu will do more harm to you than to people outside this list. The CDC has stated, “For people at high risk, getting the flu can be more serious than for other people. Flu is more likely to lead to hospitalization or death for people at high risk.”
Attention, Seniors! It’s Not Too Late for Flu Shots!
We are also taking advantage of NIVW Messages to send out a special double red alert to friends, patients and even family members in that third group of senior citizens, referred to as “people over 65.” There is a good reason you are called “High Risk.” Take a look at this stunning statistic:
“Data from recent seasons shows that between 70 to 90 percent of seasonal flu-related deaths in the United States have occurred among people 65 years and older. For hospitalizations, this number is between about 50 and 70 percent.”
We believe that information should inspire you to get your flu shots, even if this is square in the middle of your busy holiday planning time in December. That’s right—flu shots belong at the top of your Holiday Shopping and To-Do List!
Facts Matter. Statistics Matter. You Matter.
Flu Shot Badge of Courage.
Remember, if you are someone who never gets sick, or you never get intensely sick when flu strikes others, or you just hate needles, the CDC says, “Anyone who gets flu can pass it to someone at high risk of severe illness, including infants younger than 6 months who are too young to get the vaccine.” This holds an elegant truth for those of you who have not gotten the shots because you are not in the threatened high risk group.
By the way, here’s a few tips for you in case you do not know where to go or you’re on a strict budget:
Yes! Flu vaccination is on your Medicare benefits list.
Yes! According to our sources, most flu shots are covered by most health insurance plans.
It’s Not Too Late! Protect yourself and the ones you love!