Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems (SVCHS) is encouraging everyone to get their flu vaccination this year to protect against this virus and help prevent the spread of the seasonal flu to others.
This week, December 5-11, 2021, is National Influenza Vaccination Week.
This year, during the current COVID-19 pandemic, flu shots are being advised by top health officials to avoid a situation in which both influenza and COVID-19 spread and sicken the public.
Clinical Director, Jill Talbert, BSN, RN, said, “This year, more than ever, it’s important to get a flu vaccine amid the coronavirus pandemic. Flu and COVID symptoms are very similar and hospitals are already overwhelmed with COVID cases. Help reduce your risk of contracting the flu by getting a flu vaccine, if not for yourself, than for the children and older adults in your life.”
Getting your flu shot can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations. Receiving your flu vaccination if you are healthy helps to prevent illness in our most vulnerable populations as well. People at higher risk for flu-related complications include children ages newborn to 5, adults over the age of 65, pregnant women and people who have existing medical conditions such as asthma.
The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older, including pregnant women. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to develop protection against the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people get injectable flu shots.
SVCHS has health centers in Saltville, Va., Meadowview, Va., Bristol, Va., and Tazewell, Va. For more information, call 276-496-4492.
