It’s time to roll up your sleeve for your annual flu shot.
Governor Bill Haslam said he hopes more Tennesseans will be vaccinated soon so they can reduce their risks of getting the flu themselves or possibly transmitting it to others. “It only takes a few minutes to get the vaccine through an injection or nasal spray and it is available in every county of Tennessee,” Governor Haslam said. “When a person gets immunized, he or she helps create a flu barrier that can help stop the spread of influenza to others.” Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH, said it appears the flu season may be starting earlier this year and getting the vaccine as soon as possible will improve a person’s chances for avoiding or preventing the spread of the illness. “When we receive the flu vaccine, by either injection or nasal spray, protection doesn’t start immediately; it takes about two weeks for most,” Dreyzehner said. “Getting the flu shot early gives our bodies time to create that barrier that protects us and people around us.” Flu vaccine is now widely available across Tennessee in primary care offices, pharmacies, county health departments and other locations. The low-cost vaccine is covered by many health insurance plans and is available via injections and, if eligible, nasal spray.
The DeKalb County Health Department will be doing walk in flu clinics on November 9 & 30 from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. The DeKalb County Health Department accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Community Health Alliance, all forms of TennCare, Medicare, and individuals without insurance.
After getting your flu vaccination, it’s still important to practice good health habits to protect yourself from the flu and other winter viruses, and to prevent spreading them to others if you do get sick. Good health habits include frequent hand washing with soapy water or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and covering coughs and sneezes with a sleeve or tissue. People who are sick should stay home to recover and to prevent spreading illness to co-workers, friends and others.
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