Health Officials: Get Your Flu Shot Now

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is encouraging people to get their flu shot now.

Health officials recommend the seasonal flu vaccine, available as an injection or nasal spray, for people ages 6 months and older. This vaccine takes about two weeks to become effective.

On a separate note, health officials do not anticipate a vaccine for the H1N1 flu until mid-October.

Dr. David Lake, Commissioner for the Texas DSHS, says that “one vaccine isn’t a substitute for the other”.

Officials want people at high risk of developing serious flu complications to get their shots as soon as possible.

These groups include children ages 6 months through 18 years, adults 50 and older, people with chronic medical conditions, residents of long-term care facilities, and pregnant women.

In addition, officials say people who have had close contact with those at high risk for the flu should also get a flu shot.

For more information on the flu vaccine, call your health care provider, local public health department, or 211.

Please click on the Associated Link on this page for additional information.