DHSS Press Release |
Date: November 27, 2007 DHSS-135-2007 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
Contact: Reporters Phone: 302-744-4907 |
NATIONAL INFLUENZA VACCINATION WEEK NOV. 26 - DEC. 2
Delaware's Division of Public Health (DPH) joins the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to announce the second annual National Influenza Vaccination Week - Nov. 26 to Dec. 2. The CDC also designates tomorrow, Tuesday, Nov. 27, as Children's Flu Vaccination Day, with a focus on vaccinating high-risk children and their close contacts.
Flu is a contagious respiratory illness which spreads mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing. On average, 5-20 percent of the population becomes infected each year, with more than 200,000 hospitalizations and nearly 36,000 deaths. In Delaware, DPH confirmed a third Type B Influenza case on Nov. 18 and administered 4,330 doses flu vaccinations statewide.
National Influenza Vaccination Week encourages those who have not yet been vaccinated to get their shots. It also serves as a reminder about the importance of influenza vaccinations for people at high risk for serious complications like young children, older people, those with certain health conditions, and their close contacts.
Public health partners and providers are encouraged to enhance vaccine availability by scheduling additional clinics, extending clinic hours, and facilitating mass vaccinations in retail and other locations during the week and through the remainder of the influenza season.
DPH's Immunization program will mark the week by holding flu clinics across the state, and raise the awareness of flu vaccinations through radio and television public service announcements, billboards, bus ads and other flu educational materials. National Influenza Vaccination Week started in 2006 and is a joint effort of the United States Department of Health and Human Services and CDC, the National Influenza Vaccine Summit, and other immunization partners.
For more information, please call the Immunization program at 800-282-8672 or visit: www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/fluclinics.html for clinic dates and locations.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
