Grand Forks Mayor Michael Brown, letter: Still time to get a flu shot

GRAND FORKS — This week is National Influenza Vaccination Week.

To those Herald readers who have not already received their annual seasonal flu shot, I encourage you to do so soon. The number of flu cases in North Dakota is low, but that can change rapidly and unpredictably.

An annual flu vaccine is the best way to prevent the flu and flu-related complications that could lead to hospitalization or death. This season, health experts across the country are recommending that everyone ages 6 months and older get a flu vaccine.

Over the years, the number of people recommended for flu vaccination has grown as experts learned more about who was at highest risk for flu complications and possibly playing a role in spreading flu in the community.

Experts recommend that the best way to protect the greatest number of people is universal vaccination.

The annual vaccine supply has grown recently, and enough vaccine is available for everyone who wishes to be vaccinated.

School-aged children in Grand Forks County had the chance to get flu shots in their schools for the first time this year through the efforts of the Grand Forks Public Health Department and school partners.

Getting a flu vaccine is easy. It’s available at Grand Forks Public Health Department, through clinics or health care providers and at many retail pharmacies.

So when Herald readers are out and about in the community and see signs offering flu shots or when they visit their health care providers for routine check ups, remember:

The flu ends with U.

Michael Brown

Dr. Brown, an Altru Health System physician, is mayor of Grand Forks.

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