PA Health Department Reminds Individuals To Get A Flu Shot

10/07/2008 8:26 am
Comments: 0 (View)

With record amounts of flu vaccine available, the Pennsylvania Department of Health is urging Pennsylvanians – especially those in high-risk groups – to protect themselves against illness by getting a flu shot.

This year, the federal Centers for Disease Control expanded the influenza vaccination recommendation to include all children from 6 months through age 18. Previously, the recommendation was for children from 6 months to 5 years old.

An estimated 36,000 individuals die from influenza-related illnesses each year and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized nationwide. Rates of serious illness and death are highest among persons over the age of 65 and individuals of any age who have chronic medical conditions that place them at increased risk for complications from influenza.

For more information on influenza visit www.health.state.pa.us and click on the immunization link.

© Copyright 2004-2008 by WRTA.com

 

Comments: (0)

You must be logged in to post comments. - Login | Register (free!)