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For quick release: October 5, 2022
The Milwaukee Health Department is urging residents to get vaccinated this flu season
MILWAUKEE – Every year as the temperatures drop and Milwaukeeans head home, flu cases begin to rise. Although it is difficult to predict the exact time of the peak of influenza each year, the virus is typically most prevalent during the fall and winter months. To protect yourself from the flu, the Milwaukee Health Department strongly encourages everyone six months and older to get the flu shot this fall.
During the 2021/2022 flu season, 38% of Milwaukee County residents received their flu shot. The immunization goal, set by the US Health and Human Services’ Healthy People 2030 initiative; Nationally increasing the flu vaccination to 70%. In an effort to achieve this goal, the Milwaukee Health Department has Free flu shotsAvailable without an appointment or proof of insurance, at Northwest Health Center (7630 W. Mill Road), Southside Health Center (1639 S. 23rd Street) and Menomonee Valley Drive-Thru (2401 W. St. Paul Avenue).
“For many, the flu makes you feel sick and miserable. But for some, it can be severe and even fatal, said Milwaukee Health Commissioner Kirsten Johnson. “The best way to protect yourself and the people you come in contact with is to get an annual flu shot. Taking the time to get vaccinated now can save you time and even save a life.
Recent studies have shown that getting the flu vaccine can reduce the risk of getting the flu by 40 to 60 percent in the general population. While some people who get the flu vaccine still get sick, the vaccine can make their illness worse, reducing overall hospitalization rates and intensive care unit (ICU) stays during hospitalization.
Getting vaccinated against influenza can protect not only your health, but also those around you, which is especially important for people who are at risk of serious complications:
- Pregnant people
- Small children
- People aged 65 and over, especially those living in group settings
- People with certain medical conditions such as asthma or heart disease
In addition to your annual flu shot, it’s important to take other steps to keep yourself and your family healthy this flu season. Cover your coughs and sneezes regularly, wash your hands often, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth and clean areas contaminated with flu viruses. These daily actions can help reduce your chances of getting sick and prevent you from spreading germs to others if you do get sick.
Flu and Covid-19 are both infectious respiratory diseases caused by two different viruses and require two different vaccines. Both vaccines are safe, effective and can be given at the same time. Like the Covid-19 vaccine, the flu vaccine does not inject live viruses into your body, so you cannot get the flu from the vaccine. Save time by getting the flu vaccine and the Covid-19 vaccine or booster together.
in addition Milwaukee Health Department Clinics, many other pharmacies, health care providers and local health departments have flu shots and Covid-19 shots and boosters. Visit vaccines.gov, HealthyMKE.comOr Contact your local health department Find a vaccination clinic near you.
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