Monday, January 14, 2013
Local pharmacies are running out of flu shots during this flu season.
It has been a very active flu season as Rhode Island and other parts of the United States have seen a surge in reported cases of influenza. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 22,048 flu cases were recorded from Sept. 30 through the end of 2012. During that same period in 2011, only 849 cases were reported. Though the 2011-2012 was a relatively quiet flu season in comparison to decades past, this flu season started earlier than past years and also hosts a different dominant strain – H3N2. Young children and the elderly are more susceptible to this strain, according to the CDC. Now, local pharmacies are reporting shortages of flu shots at locations across the region. In Coventry, Walgreens still has vaccinations …
With flu rates higher than normal across the U.S., R.I. Health Director Fine says it's not too late to get vaccinated and protect yourself and others.
- AWARENESS
-
Monday, January 14
From the office of Michael Fine, M.D., director of the Rhode Island Department of Health: As the flu remains widespread in Rhode Island and continues to send people to doctors’ offices and hospitals throughout the state, unvaccinated Rhode Islanders are urged to get flu shots to protect not only themselves, but also those around them — particularly elderly people and babies under the age of six months. “Flu vaccine helps you and the people in your life stay healthy,” said Fine. “Roughly 40 percent of the state has been vaccinated so far this flu season. For the hundreds of thousands of Rhode Islanders who still haven’t gotten flu shots, it’s not too late to protect yourself, your family members, neighbors, co-workers, and friends.” This…
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Influenza hospitalizations, illnesses continue to climb.
- GOVERNMENT
-
Thursday, January 10
With Rhode Island now in peak flu season and flu-related hospitalization rates climbing throughout the state, the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) reminds all Rhode Islanders that it is not too late to be vaccinated against influenza. “Influenza usually hits Rhode Island the hardest in January and February. This year, flu has been widespread in Rhode Island since early December, which means we could be facing one of the harshest flu seasons we have seen in years,” said Michael Fine, MD, director of HEALTH. “Anyone older than six months of age who has not been vaccinated against the flu should be vaccinated as soon as possible. By getting your flu shot, you are protecting yourself and your loved ones by helping to prevent the …
Leave RI
2:58 pm on Thursday, January 10, 2013
@Lauren Costa..go ahead and tell everyone how the little needle was painless..you did go...didn't you? Hmmm? more ›