Get your flu shots as per MSMS

EAST LANSING: With more than 77 million doses of flu vaccine already delivered nationwide, now is the time to call your physician to schedule a flu shot, according to the Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS).

MSMS is supporting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declaration of National Influenza Vaccination Week from Nov. 27 to Dec. 3 to encourage all who are interested in a flu shot to get one in November or December.

“Since flu season does not usually peak until February or later, now is an ideal time to get a flu shot,” said MSMS president Paul O. Farr, MD, a Grand Rapids gastroenterologist.  “Many physician offices now have the vaccine on hand, so don't put it off any longer. Call and get your flu shot now.”

Doctor Farr pointed out that most people who do get the flu have a complete recovery, but it does cause a week or more of misery.  The flu also keeps people from work, school and leisure activities.  With more people vaccinated, it will help control the spread of the flu to others.

“Getting a flu shot is not only a great way to protect yourself, but your whole family,” Doctor Farr said.

According to the CDC, flu vaccine manufacturers have reported they expect 110 to 115 million doses of flu vaccine to be distributed this year.  This is at least 27 to 32 million more doses than have been distributed in any past season and 29 to 34 million more doses than were distributed last year.

For more information about influenza and influenza vaccine visit www.cdc.gov/flu.

National Influenza Vaccination Week is a collaborative effort of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, including the CDC, and the National Influenza Vaccine Summit (for more information about the Summit, go to http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/13732.html