The Flu Season Is Here
Signs for flu shots have been popping up on the marquees of our local pharmacies, doctor’s offices, and schools this week. I checked with the Center for Disease Control to find out who should get the flu vaccine and when. The answer was that anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu should get vaccinated, especially if you are in one of the following categories:
• Children aged 6 months up to their 19th birthday
• Pregnant women
• People 50 years of age and older
• People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
• People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
• People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from the flu
The flu season is already underway, peaking in February. The best time to get the vaccine is early Fall. If you want more information about which flu strands the 2008-2009 vaccine protects against or where to get flu vaccines in your area, go to www.cdc.gov/flu/flu_vaccines_updates.htm.
