National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) will be observed from December 4 - 10, 2011.  NIVW is an annual campaign promoting the benefits of immunizing persons against influenza, the flu.  The goals are:

• Expand immunization coverage
• Raise awareness of the importance of vaccines
• Promote national activities and events to prevent disease and save lives.

Immunization campaigns highlight the need for routine and timely vaccinations.  These events remind everyone to get protection against the flu by getting vaccinated.

Flu is a serious disease which can lead to hospitalization, even death.  Flu-like symptoms include:

• fever
• cough
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• body aches
• headache
• chills
• fatigue

Some people also may have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu and have respiratory symptoms without a fever.  But, influenza is a vaccine-preventable disease.  Timely vaccination protects persons, families, and entire communities from illness caused by the flu virus.

Question:  (Multiple Choice) Who needs the flu vaccine?

a) You

b) Your family

c) Friends and co-workers

d)  Healthcare providers

e)  Persons around you

f)  Other community members

g)  All of the above

YOU need the flu vaccine!  Everyone 6 months and older also needs the vaccine!  Protect yourself and your loved ones.  Take The Flu Ends with You pledge at: 

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/nivw/pledge/

There are two types of vaccines:

1.  The "flu shot"— an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. The flu shot is approved for use in people older than 6 months, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions.   There are 3 different flu shots available:
   
   -a regular flu shot approved for people ages 6 months and older
   -a high-dose flu shot approved for people 65 and older
   -an intradermal flu shot approved for people 18 to 65 years of age.
   
   
2. The nasal-spray flu vaccine — a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses that is given as a nasal spray (sometimes called LAIV for “Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine”). The viruses in the nasal spray vaccine do not cause the flu. LAIV is approved for use in healthy people 2 through 49 years of age who are not pregnant.

Most people are able to recover at home from flu without medical care.  However, some people are at greater risk of serious flu-related complications:

• Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
• Persons 65 and older
• Pregnant women
• Persons with chronic diseases

CDC recommends a three-step approach to fighting the flu:

#1 Vaccinate

#2 Take preventive actions

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Stay home if you are sick to avoid spreading flu to others.

#3 Use antiviral drugs if your doctor recommends them.

    To learn more, visit:  http://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/family/everyday_preventive.pdf

DSHS, Immunization Branch, observes NIVW by:

• Coordinating state-wide NIVW theme, focus and tag line
• Launching web page
• Launching Influenza Media campaign

Theme: Vaccinate against the flu
Focus: Flu Vaccinations for everyone
Tag Line: Stopping the Flu is up to You