"Get immunized before the flu season hits," suggests the state

Health OR: The beginning of the influenza season is approaching. Officials at the Oregon Health Authority say it's a good time for families to make an appointment to get the flu shot. Vaccines are recommended for all people 6 months and older.

The influenza vaccine can take up to two weeks to become effective, so it's ideal to get it earlier in the season, experts say in OHA and vaccines. Although it's hard to know exactly what will be the flu season this year, they say the flu shot is the best way to prepare for the situation.

"They provide the best protection against the flu we have," said Ann Thomas, MD, a public health physician at the Public Health Division of the OHA. "We can all do our part to reduce the number of influenza cases by getting a flu shot before the season is really tough."

The flu vaccine is available from health care providers, local health departments and many pharmacies. The vaccine is free or inexpensive with most health insurance plans. To find an influenza vaccination clinic, visit http://www.flu.oregon.gov/ and use the OHA's Influenza Vaccine Localization Tool.

Influenza is a virus that causes mild to severe respiratory diseases. In severe cases, this can lead to hospitalization and even death.

The virus kills thousands of people in the United States each year. People at higher risk for serious illness include children, adults over 65, pregnant women, and people with chronic or weak immune systems.

Oregon has had two deaths related to the influenza of children during the 2017-2018 influenza season.

Data from the Oregon vaccination program for the 2017-2018 season show that influenza vaccination rates among some groups are lower than those of others. Officials fear that Latinos of all ages and African-American seniors will not be protected if the flu vaccination rates of both groups do not increase.

Latinos generally have high vaccination rates among children, but only 39% of Latinos have received a flu shot. African-American seniors had a 61% vaccination rate compared to 73% for white seniors.

"It is unclear why flu vaccination rates for these two groups are lower," said Aaron Dunn, director of the association's immunization program. "We want to draw attention to these groups and hope that our health partners will help us reach these groups to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to get the flu shot."

Public health officials are also encouraging health workers to be vaccinated against influenza. Immunized health workers help to prevent the spread of influenza in health facilities, particularly inpatients at high risk of complications such as the elderly, very young and some chronic diseases.

Data on the influenza immunization rates of Oregon health care workers for 2016-2017 are available on the OHA website. Additional ways to prevent the flu:

• Stay home after work or school when you are sick and limit contact with others.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Discard the fabric when finished.
• Wash hands with soap and water. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may contain flu germs.
• Avoid coughing and sneezing.

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