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MCC Daily Tribune

National Influenza Vaccination Week

National Influenza Vaccination Week (N.I.V.W.) is observed between December 6 and 12 as a gentle reminder for you to stay protected in the upcoming winter months. If you haven’t already taken your vaccination shot, it’s not too late. We encourage you to get your dose as early as possible. The season for flu is quite unpredictable; it can begin as early as fall and last up to spring. Conventionally, flu activity is at its peak during winter, and so public healthcare professionals, advocates, and communities join hands to promote flu vaccination. Many people tend to show a cavalier attitude toward flu, dismissing it as a bad cold. But it’s more than that. It can cause serious health complications, such as bacterial infections or pneumonia, and can get you admitted to a hospital. If not treated at the right time, the flu can even lead to death. To prevent such mishaps and to raise awareness, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (C.D.C.) created N.I.V.W. in 2005.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL INFLUENZA VACCINATION WEEK

  1. Spread awareness through social media

    Post a status on your social media platforms to let your folks know of the importance of flu vaccination. You can also share your personal story to inspire others and save lives.

  2. Volunteer at a vaccination drive

    What could be a better tribute to vaccination week than volunteering at a vaccination drive? Help people register for slots, make fun placards to direct them over to vaccination centers or reach out to underprivileged people.

  3. Attend a Webinar on Vaccination Promotion

    It’s always nice to be conscious of matters as serious as the flu vaccination. C.D.C. usually hosts webinars to promote the vaccination week, and you can be a part of it.

5 FACTS ABOUT INFLUENZA VACCINATION YOU SHOULD KNOW

  1. Side effects

    Influenza vaccines have mostly proved to be safe. Common side effects include muscle pain, tiredness, and mild fever among 5–10% of children.

  2. Time to recover

    Flu patients with good immunity normally take about two weeks to recover, but some people might develop serious complications.

  3. Contagious before symptoms show

    The flu is highly contagious even before visible symptoms appear: you must strictly avoid contact with anyone for up to five to seven days after you are diagnosed.

  4. Beware of allergic reactions

    Apart from babies below six months old, the vaccine could be a hazard for people who have acute allergic reactions to it.

  5. Quite the spreader

    Much like the COVID-19 virus, the flu virus can enter your body through your eyes, nose, and mouth.

WHY IS INFLUENZA VACCINATION IMPORTANT

  1. Minimizes risk of flu-associated hospitalization

    Flu vaccinations reduce the risk of getting admitted to hospitals every year. In 2019 and 2020, vaccination drives prevented an estimated 105,000 hospitalizations.

  2. Prevents respiratory infections in pregnant people

    The vaccine protects pregnant women from contracting lung infections during and after their pregnancy. Studies have also shown that vaccination prevents the baby from getting sick for several months after birth.

  3. A lifesaver for children

    Flu vaccination can significantly reduce the chances of a child dying from the flu.

Sarah Benedict
MCC Wellness Council
12/06/2022