Each August brings National Immunization Awareness Month. The intention of the program, which is sponsored by The National Public Health Information Coalition (NPHIC), is to educate and provide widespread information regarding the importance of vaccinations in preventing potentially deadly diseases in both the young and elderly populations. Up-to-date and comprehensive vaccination information can be found on the CDC (center for disease control) website: www.cdc.gov.
Diseases that vaccines prevent can be dangerous, or even deadly. Vaccines greatly reduce the risk of infection by working with the body’s natural defenses to safely develop immunity to disease. Getting a yearly vaccine like the flu shot, can not only protect yourself, but also protects those around you with weakened immune systems like babies, the elderly, and those with immunocompromising disorders.
The flu vaccine provides protection from 4 main strains of flu virus including 2 type A and 2 type B influenza viruses. Getting a flu shot can protect you and those around you that may not be able to fight off the flu bug as easily as a healthy individual. When I get a flu shot, I always keep in mind that I’m protecting those around me almost more than myself. The flu vaccine focuses on the most severe and potentially life threatening strains of flu; however, there are many more than 4 strains of influenza viruses that you may come into contact with. Because the vaccine builds defense into your immune system, it still works to fight against other “like” strains of the virus, and helps keep your symptoms less severe. A flu shot is the best way to reduce sick days and stay healthy throughout the flu season!
The CDC recommends getting a flu shot as soon as vaccine is available, and I’m happy to announce that your Hy-Vee Pharmacy is fully stocked! Hy-Vee will be giving flu shots on August 25 and 26 to Four Seasons members who sign up in advance. Do so at the Front Desk of either Four Seasons location.
If you can’t make those dates, then head over to the Hy-Vee Pharmacy no later than when flu season peaks in early October.
Have a happy and healthy rest of 2016 and I hope to see you for your flu shot!