Health Officials Encourage Flu Shot Vaccinations Now

Flu season runs from October to May

FARGO, ND — State health officials say cases of the flu are already popping up in counties all over North Dakota.

Some of the top health officials in the country say this year’s flu season may be one of the toughest yet and that’s why they are encouraging people to get their flu vaccinations.

“The flu began about a month ago and has escalated quite a bit in the last two weeks,” said Dr. William Hawkins, who is with Baptist Health in Arkansas.  “It’s hitting earlier than the last couple of years certainly and there are more cases on a daily basis per provider for the first week of November.”

The CDC recommends anyone over the age of six months should get the flu shot because it is the best way to protect yourself.

While it is true getting the vaccine will not guarantee you won’t get sick, it does make your symptoms much more manageable.

Like any vaccine, it also helps protect the immunity of others.

Health officials here in North Dakota say less than half of eligible people in the state got their flu shot last month.

“So many cases of people who get sick go unreported,” said ND State Epidemiologist, Brenton Nesemeier. “It’s a way to keep yourself from missing work, missing school. That’s so easy.”

Nesemeier is encouraging people to get the shot instead of the flu mist vaccine, because the mist has not proven to be effective against the flu.

There are a number of local pharmacies that will host flu shot seminars, or you can contact your doctor to set up a time to get the shot.

If you don’t have a local doctor, contact a health care provider to find out where you can get signed up for the vaccine.

Flu season runs from October to May.