As the start of the 2017-2018 flu season approaches, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) encourages all people in Virginia six months and older to receive an annual influenza vaccine.

Flu season, the period of highest influenza activity, normally begins in early October and ends in late May. Influenza vaccination should begin soon after vaccine becomes available. However, as long as flu viruses are circulating, vaccination should continue to be offered throughout the flu season, even in January or later. While seasonal influenza outbreaks can happen as early as October, during most seasons influenza activity peaks in January or later.

Members of the 2017 Virginia Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) Advisory Group also urged healthcare workers to protect themselves and their patients and set an example for their community by getting their annual influenza vaccine.

A flu vaccine is needed every season for two reasons. First, the body’s immune response from vaccination declines over time, so an annual vaccine is needed for optimal protection. Second, because flu viruses are constantly changing, the formulation of the flu vaccine is reviewed each year and updated to keep up with changing flu viruses.

For more information, visit misstheflu.com.