Health Experts Urge You to Get Flu Shot

Flu season is here and cases are beginning to pop up around the state. Health officials are urging residents to go ahead and get vaccinated now. State Medical Director Dr. Frank Welch says high risk groups include elderly people, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions, but everyone should get the shot: He adds that the nasal vaccine is not available this year.

The Health Department issued this advice about the flu shots:

• The flu vaccine protects against three or four different influenza viruses, depending on which vaccine you got.
• Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors' visits, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations.
• Vaccination is particularly important for people at high risk for serious flu-related complications and their close contacts. (People at high risk include infants, pregnant women, kids and adults with chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, and adults aged 65 and older.