LEONARDTOWN, MD (October 15, 2013) – The first cases of seasonal influenza for the year have been confirmed in St. Mary’s County and other parts of Maryland. The St. Mary’s County Health Department reminds residents that the best line of defense against the flu is annual vaccination.
Influenza vaccine is particularly important for individuals who are at risk of influenza-related complications, including:
- Children six months to 18 years of age;
- Persons 50 years of age and older;
- Pregnant women;
- Persons with chronic medical conditions; and
- Persons with weakened immune systems.
People who care for someone in these groups or for infants too young to be vaccinated should also be especially diligent about getting vaccinated in order to avoid spreading the flu. This includes family members, healthcare workers, child care providers, and school workers.
The St. Mary’s County Health Department is working jointly with St. Mary’s County Public Schools to vaccinate children, with parental consent, through scheduled flu vaccine clinics in the public elementary and middle schools. The invitation for private school students to participate in these clinics was also extended to principals at private elementary and middle schools in the county. “Vaccinating school children is a very effective way of reducing the incidence of flu among all age groups in the community,” states Melanie Gardiner, Director of the Division of Public Health Preparedness and Response at the health department. “Most everyone above the age of six months should get vaccinated to prevent the spread of seasonal flu.”
The vaccine typically takes up to two weeks to begin working, so the health department encourages residents to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Flu has already been confirmed as circulating in St. Mary’s County. Though the vaccine may not prevent all cases of flu, it is the most effective method available to prevent seasonal flu illness.
“In addition to getting vaccinated, being diligent about hand washing is another effective way to avoid spreading the flu,” added Gardiner. “Anyone who thinks they may be ill should stay home from work or school to avoid contact with others.”
The Health Department urges residents to contact their healthcare providers to get vaccinated. For more information about seasonal influenza and flu vaccination, please visit www.cdc.gov/flu .