Denton County Public Health (DCPH) is recognizing National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) by urging community members to get their flu vaccine to protect themselves and others this week. NIVW serves as an annual reminder that even though flu season has arrived, it is not too late to get a flu vaccine.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, preventive measures like flu vaccines can help lower the possibility of illness and lower the demand on medical providers and hospitals throughout the flu season. Though the severity of each flu season in Denton County can be unpredictable, seasonal flu activity increases in the fall and tends to peak between December through February. Don’t wait to vaccinate; protect yourself and those you love today.
“With the recent increase in flu activity, we want to remind everyone that getting the flu vaccine is the absolute best way to protect yourself and those you love,” stated Juan Rodriguez, Assistant Director of Denton County Public Health. “It takes about two weeks for the flu shot to be fully effective, now is the time to plan ahead for this holiday season.”
DCPH recommends a three-pronged approach to fighting the flu:
- Get vaccinated. The best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu is to get an annual flu shot, and the flu vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months and older.
- Remember that antiviral medications are a second-line defense against the flu. If you are experiencing fever, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, muscle aches and headaches, visit your doctor immediately, and take antivirals if prescribed. These remedies can help you recover quicker, and can potentially prevent you from being hospitalized with flu complications.
- Take everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs. Preventive actions practiced throughout the COVID-19 pandemic help slow the spread of influenza, too. Wearing a mask, washing and sanitizing your hands often, and staying home when feeling unwell can help prevent many respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
DCPH reminds residents that vaccination is a community effort that not only protects yourself, but also family, friends and those around you. Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every season. Vaccinating also helps safeguard those who are at highest risk of complications or death from the flu, including:
- Pregnant women and women up to two weeks postpartum
- Children younger than five
- Adults 65 years of age and older
- People living in long-term care facilities
- American Indians and Alaskan Natives
- People with chronic health conditions such as asthma, neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions, chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, weakened immune system due to disease or medication, kidney and liver disorders, and people with extreme obesity
Visit Denton County's Flu Website and CDC's Flu Website for details about symptoms, treatment, and prevention.
DCPH Clinic Locations:
Denton: 535 S. Loop 288, Suite 1003
940-349-2900
Lewisville: 190 N. Valley Pkwy
972-434-4700
Qualifications: Children are eligible for free flu vaccines if they are enrolled in Children’s Medicaid or CHIP. $10 flu vaccines are available for children who are uninsured or have private insurance that does not cover the flu shot. Adults are eligible for $10 flu vaccines if uninsured. Flu vaccines are $40, or $60 for the high-dose flu shot, for community members with private insurance. Please call DCPH for an appointment.