Local health officials agree that the most effective strategy against the flu is always the vaccine. While 20% of eligible Vermont residents have already gotten their flu shot, officials are hoping that number keeps increasing. Health professionals usually begin administering flu shots in September and October, but they said it isn’t too late to get vaccinated. They explained that flu season usually peaks between December and February and want Vermonters to be prepared. Currently, more than one in five eligible Vermonters have their flu shot. John Davy, a health surveillance epidemiologist with the Vermont Department of Health, said the higher that number gets, the better. “There’s very little flu going on right now, but we do expect that to increase in the coming weeks. So, you know, folks still have time if they haven’t gotten vaccinated yet,” he said. The department is encouraging people of all ages to get their flu shot, but said it is especially important for people in high-risk groups. High-risk individuals include older adults and young children, and anyone who is pregnant or has a chronic illness. “It can be a real nasty illness that can really put a dent in people’s winter plans,” said Davy.He said getting the flu shot will make you less likely to get the virus and spread it. People who get a flu shot also typically experience milder symptoms. Local health officials said that people’s bodies take a couple of weeks to respond to the vaccine, so it is key to get one early. Tracy Upton, with Community Health in Rutland, explained that there’s more you can do to remain healthy this time of year, including staying home if you are sick and washing your hands frequently. “Just being cautious about any symptoms that you may have, and, and making sure that you’re not around vulnerable people if you’ve got some symptoms,” she said. Community Health locations are hosting flu clinics for community members outside of their regular hours to give people more opportunities to get a vaccine. For more information on how to avoid catching or spreading the flu you can visit the Health Department’s website.
Local health officials agree that the most effective strategy against the flu is always the vaccine. While 20% of eligible Vermont residents have already gotten their flu shot, officials are hoping that number keeps increasing.
Health professionals usually begin administering flu shots in September and October, but they said it isn’t too late to get vaccinated. They explained that flu season usually peaks between December and February and want Vermonters to be prepared.
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Currently, more than one in five eligible Vermonters have their flu shot. John Davy, a health surveillance epidemiologist with the Vermont Department of Health, said the higher that number gets, the better.
“There’s very little flu going on right now, but we do expect that to increase in the coming weeks. So, you know, folks still have time if they haven’t gotten vaccinated yet,” he said.
The department is encouraging people of all ages to get their flu shot, but said it is especially important for people in high-risk groups. High-risk individuals include older adults and young children, and anyone who is pregnant or has a chronic illness.
“It can be a real nasty illness that can really put a dent in people’s winter plans,” said Davy.
He said getting the flu shot will make you less likely to get the virus and spread it. People who get a flu shot also typically experience milder symptoms.
Local health officials said that people’s bodies take a couple of weeks to respond to the vaccine, so it is key to get one early. Tracy Upton, with Community Health in Rutland, explained that there’s more you can do to remain healthy this time of year, including staying home if you are sick and washing your hands frequently.
“Just being cautious about any symptoms that you may have, and, and making sure that you’re not around vulnerable people if you’ve got some symptoms,” she said.
Community Health locations are hosting flu clinics for community members outside of their regular hours to give people more opportunities to get a vaccine. For more information on how to avoid catching or spreading the flu you can visit the Health Department’s website.
