Pennsylvania Department of Aging Stresses the Importance of Getting a Flu Shot

EXTON, Pa., Dec. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Secretary of Aging Brian Duke today marked National Influenza Vaccination Week by urging older Pennsylvanians to get a flu shot. 

"One of the most important steps older Pennsylvanians can take to stay healthy during the flu season is to get a flu shot," Duke said at a flu clinic held at the Chester County Library.  "It is important to remember that influenza is highly contagious and can pose serious and life-threatening health risks, especially to older Pennsylvanians."

On average, five to 20 percent of the U.S. population develops influenza each year.  To encourage wider public vaccination, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention established National Influenza Vaccination Week in 2005.

Last year's flu season was mild, with approximately 19,000 influenza cases reported to the Department of Health. Of those, 21 percent involved people 65 and older.  So far this year, influenza activity has been sporadic.

The Department of Aging's Primetime Health program coordinates funding from the Department of Health to carry out flu immunization clinics offered by local Area Agencies on Aging.

Today's flu clinic is a cooperative partnership between the Chester County Area Agency on Aging, Chester County Health Department, Chester County Immunization Coalition and the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

To find out more information on the PrimeTime Health program or locate a flu immunization clinic, visit: www.aging.state.pa.us

Media contact: Christina Reese, 717-783-1549

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Aging

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