Alabama Department of Public Health illness activity at or above baseline levels, and 15 influenza or influenza-like outbreaks were reported during the past week.
Flu vaccine is especially important for adults ages 65 and older, children under 5, pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems, and people with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart and lung disease. Flu shots can be given during the same visit as COVID-19 vaccines and boosters. Some vaccine recommendations are as follows:
• Annual influenza vaccination is especially important for people including healthcare workers and those who live with or care for persons at higher risk to protect these vulnerable populations. Children younger than 6 months can develop serious flu illness but are too young to be vaccinated, so people who care for infants need to be vaccinated to help protect themselves and the child.
In addition to ADPH, the Alabama Hospital Association, the Medical Association of the State of Alabama, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama are encouraging Alabamians to get a flu shot with the ongoing No Time for Flu campaign. Information and additional resources to help stop the spread of the flu can be found on the No Time for Flu website at https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/flu/campaign.