FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 5, 2022
Milwaukee Well being Division Urges Residents to Get Vaccinated this Flu Season
MILWAUKEE – Yearly, as temperatures drop and Milwaukeeans head indoors, influenza (flu) circumstances start to rise. Whereas it’s troublesome to foretell the precise timing of peak flu circumstances annually, the virus sometimes circulates closely in fall and winter months. To guard your self towards the flu, the Milwaukee Well being Division strongly encourages everybody six months and older to get their flu vaccine this fall.
Throughout the 2021/2022 flu season, 38% of Milwaukee County residents obtained their flu shot. The immunization objective, set by the U.S. Division of Well being and Human Companies’ Wholesome Folks 2030 initiative, is to increase the flu vaccination rate to 70% nationwide. In an effort to achieve this objective, the Milwaukee Well being Division has free flu shots, obtainable with out an appointment or proof of insurance coverage, on the Northwest Well being Heart (7630 W. Mill Highway), Southside Well being Heart (1639 S. twenty third Road), and Menomonee Valley Drive-Through (2401 W. St. Paul Avenue).
“For a lot of, the flu leaves you feeling worn out and depressing. However for some, it is vitally severe and probably deadly,” mentioned Milwaukee Well being Commissioner Kirsten Johnson. “One of the simplest ways to remain wholesome and defend these you are available contact with is to get your annual flu shot. Taking the time to get vaccinated now can save your sick time and even save a life.”
Latest research present being vaccinated towards the flu reduces the chance of flu sickness by 40 to 60-percent among the many total inhabitants. Whereas some individuals who get a flu vaccine nonetheless get sick, vaccination could make their sickness much less extreme, lowering total hospitalization charges and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions throughout hospitalizations.
Not solely does vaccinating towards influenza hold you wholesome, it will probably defend these round you, which is particularly essential for individuals at larger danger for severe issues, together with:
- Pregnant individuals
- Younger kids
- Folks 65 years and older, particularly these dwelling in group settings
- Folks with sure medical circumstances, equivalent to bronchial asthma or coronary heart illness
Along with your annual flu vaccine, it’s essential to take different measures to maintain your self and household wholesome this flu season. Frequently cowl your coughs and sneezes, wash your arms typically, keep away from touching your eyes, nostril, and mouth, and clear surfaces that could be contaminated with flu viruses. These on a regular basis actions may also help cut back your probabilities of getting sick and forestall the unfold of germs to others if you’re sick.
Whereas flu and COVID-19 are each contagious respiratory diseases, they’re brought on by two totally different viruses and require two totally different vaccines. Each vaccines are secure, efficient, and capable of be administered on the similar time. Similar to the COVID-19 vaccine, the flu vaccine doesn’t inject stay viruses into your physique, so you can’t get the flu from the vaccine. Save time by getting the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine or up to date booster collectively.
Along with the Milwaukee Health Department Clinics, many different pharmacies, healthcare suppliers, and native well being departments even have flu photographs and COVID-19 vaccines and boosters obtainable. Go to vaccines.gov, HealthyMKE.com, or contact your local health department to search out an immunization clinic close to you.
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