Deschutes County flu immunization rate tops state

Deschutes County is projected to have the highest flu immunization rate in the state this season, with 62 percent of the population (6 months and older) receiving a flu vaccine, county health officials said Friday.

The preliminary projections, which were recently released by the Oregon Health Authority, show that Oregon is seeing higher immunization rates this year, compared to last year.

Flu is a virus that causes mild to severe respiratory illness and people can spread flu even before symptoms appear. It can lead to hospitalization and kills thousands of people in the U.S. each year. Each flu season is unique and unpredictable.

County health officials stress that vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself and your community from flu.

If you haven’t received your flu vaccine yet, it is not too late. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop and provide protection against influenza, so the sooner you get vaccinated, the more protected you will be as we move into the peak flu season.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone six months and older, especially those with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, people living or caring for babies six months and younger, and all health care workers, receive an annual flu vaccine.

Flu vaccines are available through local health care providers and most pharmacies (for seven years and older). Deschutes County Health Services is also offering flu vaccine for children 6 months to 18 years old. Call (541) 322-7499 to schedule an appointment for your child.

In addition to vaccination, these preventive measures can help stop flu:

1. Cover coughs and sneezes.

2. Wash hands with soap and water. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

3. Stay home when sick. Protect others at school and work by staying home at least 24 hours after a fever (100 degrees or higher) subsides.

4. Clean surfaces often, especially where children are playing. Flu germs can live for hours on hard surfaces.

To stay up to date on local flu activity, visit www.deschutes.org/flu. Deschutes County Health Services analyzes data from local hospital emergency departments and laboratories each week during flu season to better understand flu trends.

For more information on influenza, visit www.flu.oregon.gov.