An annual flu vaccine is the best way to prevent the flu and flu-related complications that could lead to hospital stays or even death. Maine Senior Guide is happy to report that CHANS is offering a free flu shot clinic at the Southern Maine Senior Expo September 25 in Freeport.
This season, health experts across the country again encourage everyone 6 months and older to get a flu vaccine. This “universal” flu vaccine recommendation was adopted by the Centers for Disease Control’s Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP), an independent group of physicians and health advocates that sets recommendations for all adult and childhood immunizations in the United States.
Over the years, the number of people recommended for flu vaccination has grown as experts learned more about who was at highest risk for flu complications or possibly playing a role in spreading flu in the community. People also need to realize that getting a flu shot can help protect the people they love. If you won’t do it for yourself, do it for those around you, especially if you’re in frequent contact with elders or little ones.
Influenza is among the most common respiratory illnesses in the United States, infecting millions of people every flu season. Every year, flu spreads across the country, from person to person, family to family, and community to community. Even healthy children and adults can get very sick from the flu and spread it to family and friends. A flu shot can help you stave off the illness.
CDC estimates that annual flu-related deaths have ranged from about 3,000 people to 49,000 people over the past 30 years. Each year, it’s estimated that more than 200,000 people are hospitalized because of flu-related complications.
Flu shots save lives: Get one!
CHANS is the home health care and nursing arm of Mid Coast Health Center. They’ll be staffing a free flu clinic all day. Maine Senior Guide is producing the free Southern Maine Senior Expo on September 25, from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Freeport.
By Melissa Fochesato and Steven Trockman, Mid Coast Health Services