(Washington, DC) – The DC Department of Health (DOH) reminds all residents that, October is the official start of flu season. Every year over 200,000 people are hospitalized in the United States due to complications from the flu. The only way to be fully protected is to get the seasonal flu vaccine at the start of the new flu season.  This year’s flu vaccine will protect against several different strains of flu including H3N2, an influenza B virus, and the H1N1 virus. 

“As we transition into colder months, it is important for District residents to practice early prevention methods to help reduce the risk of contracting and spreading the flu virus.  Now is the perfect time for residents to properly protect themselves by getting vaccinated,” said DOH Director Dr. Pierre Vigilance. “Getting vaccinated is still the best protection for you and your loved ones, but residents should still practice other preventative measures such as covering their coughs, washing their hands and staying home if they are sick.”

This year the flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over the age of 6 months to protect against influenza viruses that are predicted to cause the most illness during the flu season.  Residents seeking the vaccine are encouraged to contact their primary care physician and can also find the vaccine at some local pharmacy or grocery stores.  As a part of the District’s immunization efforts, DOH will continue to offer flu vaccine via its Immunization Program clinic located at 6323 Georgia Ave. NW Suite 305.  Immunization services will be provided on Mondays and Tuesdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm for District residents only who are underinsured and un-insured.

For more information visit http://www.flu.gov/, or to locate local pharmacy and grocery stores carrying the flu vaccine, visit http://www.flu.gov/widgets/vaccinefinder.html.