It's Time to Get Your Flu Shot

Native News Network Staff in Native Health. Discussion »

This Year-Every Year

BETHESDA, MARYLAND - Compared to the general US population, American Indian and Alaska Native people are more likely than others to get seriously ill from the flu, and during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, native people were 4 times more likely to die from the flu.

The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year.

Getting the flu vaccine each year can keep you from getting sick and keep you from spreading the flu to children and elders - those who can get very sick from flu. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone - your whole family can get vaccinated.

Flu season is as regular as fall and winter, but a lot less fun. So as we head into flu season, it's time to get protected against the flu, by getting vaccinated - even if you got vaccinated last year.

It takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to develop an immune response. It pays to get vaccinated now so that you will be protected.

The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Thomas Frieden:

"Everyone 6 months of age and over should get a flu shot, this year and every year. And it's getting easier to do that, in terms of the ways you can get vaccinated, and the amount of vaccine available."

This year, in addition to the regular flu shot and the nasal spray vaccine, there is a flu shot given with a much smaller needle. And there is a high-dose flu shot for those 65 and older.

posted October 12, 2011 6:00 am edt