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STATE HEALTH OFFICIALS REPORT INCREASED FLU CASE NUMBERS AND ENCOURAGE VACCINATIONS

National Influenza Vaccination Week is December 2-8 -Take the CDC Flu Vaccination Pledge

MADISON— With the number of influenza cases running significantly higher than last year at this time, state health officials today encouraged Wisconsin residents to get their flu shots and tell family members and friends that it’s not too late to get protection against the flu. National Influenza Vaccination Week is next week, December 2-8.

“Wisconsin’s influenza season started early this year and we’re asking everyone to take the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) flu vaccination pledge by getting their flu shot and encouraging others to do the same,” said Dr. Henry Anderson, State Health Officer.

State health officials have also reported an increase in flu cases this year. There have been 113 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases reported this season, compared with 7 cases at this time last year. Twelve people have been hospitalized for influenza this season. There were no hospitalizations at this time last year.

The vaccine supply is ample, Anderson noted, and it is critical for older people and children to be protected. According to the CDC, everyone aged six months and older should be vaccinated.

Holiday travel and college students returning home can result in the illness spreading. Anderson suggested that college students seek vaccinations at their campus health services prior to leaving for the holiday break.

Other options for getting vaccinated include healthcare providers, local public health departments or tribal health clinics. To find an influenza vaccination center near you, go to www.flu.gov.

For more information on the flu, go to http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/communicable/influenza/index.htm

To learn about the CDC Flu Vaccination Pledge, go to http://www.cdc.gov/flu/nivw/pledge/index.html

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Last Revised:  December 10, 2012