ISDH Encourages Flu Vaccination

Monday, October 14, 2019 at 7:35 AM

Flu season is now active in the state of Indiana.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) has informed Hoosiers to start taking precautions to avoid the flu.

Cases across the state are already emerging.

State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG urges the importance getting the vaccination. The Indiana Health Commissioner says, “Although we can’t predict how severe our flu season will be, we are already seeing influenza activity in Indiana, so it’s important that Hoosiers take steps quickly to protect themselves and their loved ones. Flu can be deadly, especially in vulnerable populations, so the time to take those protective measures is now.”

The Centers for Disease Control CDC suggests everyone age 6 months and older get a flu vaccine, to protect themselves and others.

Infants under 6 months are not able to receive this vaccine. Dr. Box stresses the importance of people who are able to receive the vaccine to get it to protect those children.

Healthcare workers are also urged to get the flu vaccine to protect their patients that they encounter.

The CDC recommends that Hoosiers receive a vaccination by the end of October, due to the amount of time it takes to develop in the body.

Nearly 800 Hoosiers have died of flu-related illness since the 2014-15 flu season.

People that would be considered high-risk would include pregnant women, young children (especially those too young to get vaccinated), people with chronic illnesses, people who are immunocompromised and the elderly.

To help prevent the spread of the flu and other infectious diseases, you can practice the “Three Cs”; clean, cover, and contain.

Actions would include properly washing your hands frequently, covering your cough and sneeze, and staying home from school or work when you are sick.

You can visit ISDH at www.StateHealthIN.gov for health and safety information.

Flu vaccines can be found through primary care providers and many pharmacies. To find the nearest location to get a flu shot, Hoosiers can go to https://vaccinefinder.org/.