Flu season is underway! Here’s why you should make getting a flu shot a priority

“Fewer than 4 out of 10 adults in the United States got flu shots last winter, the lowest rate in seven seasons and one likely reason that the 2017-2018 season was the deadliest in decades.” – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Flu vaccinations are the main way to prevent illness and even death caused by the flu. This year’s flu season officially started in October, and there are already flu cases being reported in Atlanta. However, it’s not too late to protect yourself, your loved ones, your patients, and your colleagues!

The annual flu vaccine is required for all Emory Healthcare and School of Medicine employees who work in Emory Healthcare or Grady facilities. Flu shots are particularly important for individuals with asthma, diabetes, heart disease, chronic illnesses which weaken the immune system, persons over age 65 and for those who care for susceptible children or the elderly. To see where you can get your flu shot, visit http://bit.ly/EmoryVaccination.

Watch below for a message from Dustin Staloch, MD, an Emory internal medicine chief resident, about the importance of staying vaccinated against the flu.