Flu Shots
The flu kills thousands of people every year. The young, old and those with chronic conditions – conditions like kidney disease, diabetes and cancer - have a higher risk of death when they get the flu because their immune systems have a tougher time fighting it off. But, when everyone who can receives the flu shot, it helps protect all of us from spreading the disease.
The effort to protect patients from flu is an important part of what Blessing does to improve the overall health of the community.
Viruses – or germs – cause Influenza (flu). Each year different germs cause a different type of the flu. A different vaccine is prepared each year based on the type of viruses expected to cause flu that year. That’s why you need to get a flu shot every year. It is best to get the shot in September or October to provide the most protection for the coming flu season. The flu season is from October through March each year.
During flu season, all Blessing Hospital patients six months and older (or their guardians) are asked whether they have had a flu shot. If the patient answers “yes”, there is no further action.
If the answer is “no”, the nurse will ask additional questions to see if the patient has allergies to the flu vaccine. If there are no allergies to the vaccine, the flu shot will be ordered and given to the patient in the hospital. A patient has the right to refuse a flu shot, but this is not recommended. If patients have concerns about the shot, they should speak with their physician.