If you have ever had the Flu, you know it’s something you want to avoid. The fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, congestion, runny nose, headaches, and fatigue are enough to sideline even the healthiest people. Flu can strike at anytime but the number of cases increases during the fall and winter, peaking between December and February.

To help avoid the contagious respiratory illness, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends an annual flu vaccination. The vaccine is an important step to reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school. To stress the importance of getting a flu shot and to create awareness to the flu, the CDC named the week of December 4th, 2016 National Influenza Vaccination Week.

Philly “Phlu” Prevention

Adults

The City of Philadelphia’s Department of Public Health has an Immunization Program for adults aged 19 through 64 years who do not have health insurance and have no alternative source for medical care, or who are unable to access their usual source of care.

Find a time and location for a Community Flu Vaccine Clinic that’s suitable to you.

Children

Children in Philadelphia can visit any PDPH health center to receive immunizations, even without an appointment. The health centers offer a full range of health services in addition to vaccines. You will need to bring proof that you live in Philadelphia (like a driver’s license, another photo ID, or a letter from a community agency). If you have health insurance, including Medicare or Medicaid, bring that information too.

Your child may get immunizations for free under a special program called Vaccines for Children (VFC) if he or she under 19 years of age, and:

  • Does not have health insurance, or
  • Is eligible for the Medicaid program (Medical Assistance), or
  • Is American Indian or Alaskan Native

About 300 healthcare providers in Philadelphia are part of the VFC Program. Ask your doctor if he or she participates in VFC. You may also call the Philadelphia VFC Program for more information: 215-685-6498.

Myth and Facts According to the CDC

  • Each year, the flu leads to about 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths. FACT
  • By the month of December, it’s too late for a vaccine. MYTH: While the sooner you get vaccinated the more likely you are to be protected against the flu when activity picks up in your community, vaccination into December and beyond can be beneficial during most flu seasons.
  • Getting a vaccine while pregnant can lead to autism. MYTH: No correlation between getting the flu vaccine while pregnant and increased autism risk in children has been identified. The CDC recommends that all pregnant women get a flu shot because getting the flu is riskier while pregnant. The flu can increases the risk of premature birth and low birth weight for the baby.
  • People who have asthma, diabetes, heart disease or certain other medical problems are at higher risk for flu complications. FACT
  • A flu shot can give you the flu. MYTH: The most common side effects from the influenza shot are soreness, redness, tenderness or swelling where the shot was given. Low-grade fever, headache and muscle aches also may occur.
  • A yearly flu vaccine is necessary. FACT: A person’s immune protection from vaccination declines over time, so an annual vaccination is needed to get the “optimal” or best protection against the flu.
  • The flu shot is 100% effective MYTH: The flu shot does not protect you from all illnesses and does not give 100 percent protection against the flu, but it can help keep you from getting seriously sick with the flu. It can also help shorten the amount of time you are sick

In addition to the Influenza vaccine

  • Cover your cough. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw away the tissue.
  • Wash your hands often. Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand-sanitizer.  Wash every time you eat, handle food, use the bathroom, change a diaper, touch a wound, blood or body fluids, and when they look dirty.   
  • Stay home when you are sick. If you are sick, stay home from work, school and running errands (unless you need to seek medical care).  Stay home until at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100°F).  Avoid close contact with others.  This will help keep others from catching your illness.

A simple yet essential way to be prepared is to stay informed. Get weather, traffic, and emergency alerts from OEM’s ReadyPhiladelphia program sent to your phone or email to keep you informed prior to and during an emergency.

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