Southwest Virginia Community Health Systems (SVCHS) is encouraging everyone to get their flu vaccination this year to protect against this virus and help prevent the spread of the seasonal flu to others.
Clinical Director, Jill Talbert, RN, said, “We have already seen a few confirmed cases of the flu at some of our sites, and I’m sure it is going to start picking up, so we encourage you and your loved ones to get vaccinated against the flu.”
Getting your flu shot can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations. Receiving your flu vaccination if you are healthy helps to prevent illness in our most vulnerable populations as well. People at higher risk for flu-related complications include children ages newborn to 5, adults over the age of 65, pregnant women and people who have existing medical conditions such as asthma.
The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older, including pregnant women. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to develop protection against the flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people get injectable flu shots.
SVCHS has health clinics in Saltville, Va., Meadowview, Va., Bristol, Va., and Tazewell, Va. Walk-ins are welcome for flu vaccinations. For more information, call 276-496-4492.