Flu Vaccine Awareness Week 2018: Season Info · Fact Sheet PDF
Sources: The Lakewood Scoop; NJ.gov/Health; Centers For Disease Control; Flu.gov
Last winter, New Jersey saw high levels of flu activity: a greater percentage of flu-associated visits last season than during the 2009 pandemic. Additionally, New Jersey has had five pediatric flu deaths.
As part of the #FightTheFluNJ Campaign, the new Jersey Department of Health will be visiting community health centers, hospitals, local health departments and universities across the state to talk about the importance of prevention. And the Department is continuing its #FightTheFluNJ initiatives to encourage residents to get vaccinated and take steps to protect themselves.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older. Certain people are at greater risk for serious complications from the flu: Flu vaccination should also be a priority for those persons who live with or care for individuals at higher risk for influenza-related complications. This includes healthcare personnel and household contacts of children less than six months of age, since these children are too young to receive the flu vaccine.
Seasonal flu activity often begins as early as October and November and can continue to occur as late as May. Flu activity most commonly peaks in the United States between December and February.
The New Jersey Influenza Honor Roll recognizes institutions that encourage and promote flu prevention within their communities across the state. There are four eligible categories to participate: businesses, community-based organizations, institutions of education, and new this year – healthcare facilities. Additional information about the initiative and the application form are available here.
The College and University Flu Challenge is a separate initiative designed to engage students in a friendly competition to improve flu vaccination coverage on their campuses. This year, there are eleven participating colleges with the winner being announced in March.
The symptoms of flu include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches and fatigue.