Flu season is coming, and it’s important for everyone to get vaccinated. Flu vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu.
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, headache, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. Flu symptoms can be mild or severe and can sometimes lead to hospitalization or even death.
Why is flu vaccination important?
Flu vaccination helps to protect against the flu by stimulating the body’s immune system to produce antibodies against the flu virus. Antibodies are proteins that help the body fight off infection. It is recommended that anyone six months of age or older get a flu vaccine every year.
Flu vaccination is especially important for people who are at high risk for complications from the flu, such as:
- People 65 years of age and older
- People with chronic health conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, or asthma
- Pregnant women
- Children younger than 5 years old
- People who live with or care for people at high risk for complications from the flu
Flu vaccines are safe and effective. The CDC estimates that flu vaccination prevents millions of flu illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations, and thousands of deaths each year.
Recent data on influenza in the United States
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu season in the United States typically peaks between December and March. The CDC estimates that from October 1, 2022, through April 30, 2023, there have been:
- 26-50 million flu illnesses
- 290,000-670,000 flu hospitalizations
- 17,000-98,000 flu deaths
How to get a flu vaccine in southeastern Connecticut
Flu vaccines are available at most doctor’s offices, pharmacies, and health departments. Flu vaccines are also available at some community events and workplaces. Additionally, Uncas Health District offers a number of ways to help local residents get their flu vaccines:
Uncas Health District Mobile Health Team
Each week, the Mobile Health Team visits locations throughout the 11 municipalities we support — offering preventative health care such as blood pressure screening, COVID-19 and Flu vaccines, Hepatitis C/ HIV testing, syringe services, wound care info, and information about other health services provided by the Uncas Health District. Check out our calendar to find out when the Mobile Health Team is coming to a location near you.
Flu Vaccine Clinics
Uncas Health District hosts and supports a number of flu vaccine clinics throughout the year. Check out the flu vaccine clinic calendar on the Uncas Health District website.
Flu Vaccines for the Home-Bound
For those in the community who are unable to leave their home, the nurses at Uncas Health District will come to you. Call (860) 823-1189 to schedule a vaccination visit with one of our nurses.