Physicians with the Medical Association of the State of Alabama and the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) are encouraging Alabamians to take part in “Flu Shot Friday” on November 18. “Flu Shot Friday” is a public information campaign to encourage every Alabamian older than 6 months to get vaccinated against the flu.
“It is definitely flu season in Alabama and the best way to protect yourself is to get the flu vaccine,” said Dr. Julia Boothe, President of the Medical Association. “Alabama is currently experiencing one of the worst flu outbreaks in the country. Getting vaccinated now will provide protection during the peak of flu season.”
“The flu is one of the leading infectious causes of death in Alabama each year,” Dr. Burnestine Taylor, ADPH medical officer, Disease Control and Prevention, said. “Everyone needs to take it seriously and get vaccinated.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends those 6 months or older to get the flu vaccine, especially those at high risk for flu complications. Those considered at high risk include people 65 years or older, young children, and people with chronic conditions such as asthma and heart disease.
Flu shots are available at county health departments throughout the state.
Go to https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/flu/vaccine.html for more influenza information and a link to county health department phone numbers and addresses at https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/blog/assets/countycontacts.pdf
