FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date:  November 16, 2007

Contact:  Vicki Duey, Executive Director

                  Four Corners Health Department

                  Phone: 402-362-2621 or 1-877-337-3573

                  Email:  questions@fourcorners.ne.gov

National Influenza (Flu) Vaccination Week is Nov. 26 – Dec. 2

Influenza (flu) is a serious illness.  On average, 36,000 people die of the flu each year and more than 200,000 are hospitalized nationwide.  The flu is contagious and can spread to your family and those you love. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages anyone who has not yet received a flu vaccination to get one now.

“National Influenza Vaccination Week provides a valuable opportunity for our community to tell how important it is for people to get an annual flu shot,” said Heidi Gubanyi RN, Public Health Nurse with Four Corners Health Department. "Getting vaccinated is the single best way for people to protect not only themselves against flu, but their loved ones as well."

Anyone who wants to avoid getting the flu should get vaccinated. It is especially important that people who are at high risk for influenza-related complications get a flu vaccine every year. This includes people who are 50 years or older; those of any age who have asthma, diabetes, heart disease, chronic bronchitis, HIV, or other chronic diseases; children 6 months old up to their fifth birthday; pregnant women; and people who live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities. In addition, healthcare professionals; family members and caregivers of infants under six months old; and any people who care for or live with people at high risk also should get vaccinated each year.

The nasal-spray flu vaccine is an option for healthy persons aged 2-49 years old. Pregnant women should get the flu shot, not the nasal spray flu vaccine.

Flu vaccine is available in all four counties, Polk, Butler, York and Seward, served by Four Corners Health Department.  If you’re interested in getting vaccinated, call your local health care provider or to locate flu vaccine clinics call Four Corners Health Department at 402-362-2621 or 877-337-3573.

For more information about influenza and influenza vaccine visit www.cdc.gov/flu and www.fourcorners.ne.gov