National Influenza Vaccination Week

National Influenza Vaccination Week

National Influenza Vaccination Week takes place during December. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has designated the week after Thanksgiving as National Influenza Vaccination Week. This week long event is designed to raise awareness of the importance of continuing influenza (flu) vaccination. In addition, it encourages greater use of the flu vaccine through the months of November, December, and beyond.

Since flu activity typically does not peak until February or later, November and December still provide good opportunities to get vaccinated. The flu vaccine is the best way to protect your patients from the flu. Though Medicare provides coverage for the flu vaccine and its administration, there are still many beneficiaries who don’t take advantage of this benefit. And don’t forget to protect yourself and your family and friends. Wear a lime green and fuchsia awareness ribbon pin to raise awareness about the influenza vaccination (flu vaccine). The pin is available in a personalized and non-personalized version. Another color combination for flu awareness is blue and green. This pin is also available in a personalized and non-personalized version.

Get Your Flu Shot: Who is at Risk?

Certain individuals are at a higher risk than others for contracting the virus and developing flu-related complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia that can lead to hospitalization or even death. Anyone in this high-risk category should get vaccinated as well as those taking care of them.

Those at high risk include:

• People 65 years of age and older.
• People of any age with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and asthma.
• Pregnant women.
• Babies and children younger than 5 years old.
• People living in facilities such as nursing and assisted-living homes.
• Health care workers.
• Caregivers to those under 5 years old and older than 65 years old.

It’s Easy as ABC – Simple Tips and Tricks to Protect Yourself and Others

• Avoid close contact, touching, and any exposure to those who are sick and keep your distance from others if you are not feeling well or are sick. Surfaces can be contaminated with germs so do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth without washing your hands.

• Be Absent – Stay home if you are not feeling well to help prevent the spread of germs to others.

• Cover Your Mouth and Nose and Wash Your Hands – Flu viruses are spread mainly by droplets created when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. Washing hands often will help protect you from germs. Soap and water are preferred, but an alcohol-based hand sanitizer will also do the trick.

• Disinfect – Wipe frequently touched surfaces and areas with products specifically designed to prevent germ contamination especially when someone is ill.

Managing stress, exercising, sleeping, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating a nutrient-rich diet along with being proactive and mindful is the perfect prescription for a healthy and happy life. A routine of these good health habits will help protect you and your loved ones.