Share the spirit but not your germs this holiday season, state health officials advised today after a federal survey found only about 1 in 3 metro Denver adults and children have gotten flu shots this year.
A separate Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment survey earlier this month indicated 77 percent of those who provide vaccinations are giving fewer this year than last.
“The bottom line is that people need to get a flu vaccination to prevent getting the flu,” Joni Reynolds, the state health department’s immunization program director, said in a statement. “Whatever reason individuals have for not yet receiving a flu shot, now is the time to do so because the flu is on its way.”
Health officials recommend anyone 6 months old and older get the vaccination, especially given the risk of spreading the illness to friends or family with weakened immune system.
“During the holidays, we often spend time in close quarters with loved ones,” Reynolds said. “It’s important to be sure we are vaccinated to reduce the risk of spreading the flu. Infants younger than 6 months are particularly vulnerable to flu and depend on others to get their vaccine to protect them.”
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