Please see the information below from FEMA Region II, including a link for a free CDC webinar tomorrow (Wednesday, December 9th, 2020) at 12:00 about seasonal influenza vaccination during COVID-19.
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Get Your Flu Shot Today!
December 6-12 is National Influenza Vaccination Week, a call to action encouraging everyone 6 months and older to get a flu vaccine.
Influenza, or flu, is an infectious respiratory illness that is caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild illness to serious health complications, such as pneumonia and even death.
National Influenza Vaccination WeekFlu season in the United States occurs in the fall and winter, peaking between December and February. COVID-19 and flu could spread simultaneously during this time, placing a huge burden on the health care system and resulting in more illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths than during a regular flu season. This week serves as a reminder that there is still time to get a flu vaccine, which is proven to reduce the risk of flu illness, and practice other ways to protect yourself from the flu.
Vaccination is particularly important for people who are vulnerable to developing serious flu complications, including people 65 years and older and individuals with certain chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides more information for high risk groups on their website.
Join FEMA Region II National Preparedness Division for upcoming webinars on the seasonal influenza vaccination during COVID-19. Speakers from the CDC will review seasonal influenza vaccination coverage levels, including gaps in vaccination coverage among racial and ethnic minority groups, and identify CDC priorities and resources for seasonal influenza vaccination during the pandemic. Register now using these links:
· English: Wednesday, December 9 from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ET https://fema.connectsolutions.com/nivw2020/event/registration.html
· Spanish: Wednesday, December 16 from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ET https://fema.connectsolutions.com/nivw2020spa/event/registration.html
Please send questions for the speakers in advance to fema-r2-prepares@fema.dhs.gov.
Find flu vaccines in your area: https://vaccinefinder.org/find-vaccine