CARTERET COUNTY, NC (December 1, 2022) – The Carteret County Health Department (CCHD) is reminding the public to get a flu shot as soon as possible to protect themselves and their communities from flu.
While it is ideal to get a flu shot before flu starts spreading in your community, getting vaccinated later is still beneficial during most seasons. Flu most commonly peaks in February and significant activity can continue into May, so there is still time to get vaccinated if you haven’t already. This National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW), which is observed Dec. 5-9, go to your doctor or local pharmacy to get your flu shot, encourage your loved ones to get their flu shot, and learn more about the benefits of getting vaccinated against flu.
In addition to the flu shot, health officials advise covering your mouth when you cough and using proper hand-washing to fight the germs and protect against the flu.
NIVW serves as a reminder that the best way to protect against the flu is to receive a flu shot. The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends flu vaccination for all individuals 6 months of age and older.
People who are strongly encouraged to receive the flu shot because they may be at higher risk for complications include:
- Children ages 6 months through 4 years
- Pregnant women
- People 50 years of age or older
- People age 6 months and older with chronic health problems
- People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
- Health care workers, household contacts and caregivers or people who live with a person at high risk for complications from the flu
- Out-of-home caregivers of children younger than 6 months old
CCHD offers flu shots at the immunization clinic. To schedule an appointment, please call (252) 728-8550, option 2 during normal business hours. For the latest information on the flu shot, visit the health department’s website at https://www.carteretcountync.gov/1148/2022-2023-FLU.
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