Got the Vaccine? – National Consumers League

It’s officially National Influenza Vaccination Week, a national observance established to highlight the importance of getting vaccinated against influenza into January and beyond. There was a lot of buzz last fall, leading into the holiday season, urging consumers to get vaccinated – especially those with chronic health conditions that put them at high risk of serious influenza-related complications.

One of the many goals for NIVW, which is sponsored by the federal government (www.flu.gov) and being supported by many other health groups, including the National Consumers League, is to engage at-risk audiences who haven’t yet received the vaccine, who may be hesitant about it, or unsure about where to get vaccinated.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, “Getting a flu shot is the single best way to protect against the flu.” Yet many consumers — including pregnant women — are either hesitant to get a flu shot or have been unable to get vaccinated due to limited supplies. Last fall, NCL created a Q&A to make sure expectant moms have the information they need to make good decisions about protecting their health—and the health of their babies—and know where to go to get the care they need.

If you haven’t yet been vaccinated, or aren’t sure whether you should, check out the resources at www.flu.gov to learn more about the vaccine, read a proclamation from the President, or send an e-card to a loved one.