Governor Patrick has announced that January 10 - 16, 2010 is National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) in Massachusetts. NIVW is a national observance established by the CDC to highlight the importance of continuing influenza vaccination, as well as fostering greater use of flu vaccine after the holiday season into January and beyond.
Every year, certain days of NIVW are designated to highlight the importance of different groups getting vaccinated. This year’s schedule includes focus on health care workers, people with chronic health conditions that put them at high-risk for serious complications, children, pregnant women, and caregivers of infants less than 6 months old, young adults, and seniors.
The timing, spread and severity of flu viruses are uncertain and vaccination is the most effective method for preventing influenza and influenza-related complications. We have distributed well over 3.5 million doses of the HIN1 vaccine in the state and we urge people of all ages to get vaccinated. Remember, flu vaccines not only protect the person getting vaccinated but can also help prevent the spread of flu to their family and friends.
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