Skip the flu vaccine? "There's no excuse," says CDC
(CBS) It's National Influenza Vaccination Week. Have you gotten your flu shot yet?
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From December 4th through 10th, the CDC is urging all Americans 6 months of age and older to get their flu vaccination if they've yet to do so. Americans can op for either a "flu shot" or a nasal-spray flu vaccine. Once vaccinated, it takes about 2 weeks for the body's immune response to fully kick in.
"Remember, the 'Flu Ends With U,'" the CDC says. "Get a flu vaccine, not the flu."
The CDC says this year "there's no excuse" to skip the vaccine this year because unlike in previous years, it's in large supply.
Though the CDC recommends everyone get vaccinated, certain groups face a higher risk for developing serious flu-related complications. Pregnant women, children younger than 5, people over 65, and people who already have a chronic medical condition face this added risk. In addition, the CDC said it's especially important that health care workers, people who live with a child younger than 6 months old (who is too young to get vaccinated), and people who live with any of the aforementioned high-risk patients get vaccinated.
According to the CDC's latest flu activity report, influenza rates across the country are currently low. But the agency warns that flu activity doesn't usually peak until January or February, and can last through May.
"Don't fall for the myth that it's too late to vaccinate against the flu once the Thanksgiving holidays are over," says the CDC. "As long as flu viruses are spreading and causing illness, vaccination can provide protection against the flu."
Click here more information on National Influenza Vaccination Week.
