As of Dec. 4, 2020, CHCC said 6,612 people had been vaccinated — 1,299 children (less than one year to 18 years old) and 5,313 adults (19 years old and older).
CHCC, which is observing National Influenza Vaccination Week on Dec. 6-12, is encouraging community members to receive the flu vaccine. Influenza or flu is a potentially serious disease that can lead to hospitalizations and sometimes death, CHCC stated.
“Getting the flu vaccine every year is the best way to help protect against flu. Every flu season is different and influenza infection can affect people differently,” CHCC stated.
Bishop Ryan Jimenez participates in CHCC’s Vaccinate CNMI campaign. CHCC photo
People should get the flu vaccine annually. “Flu vaccines may be updated from one season to the next as flu viruses are constantly changing,” CHCC added.
“A person’s immune protection from vaccination declines over time, so an annual vaccine is needed for optimal protection,” CHCC stated.
Getting the flu vaccine will also help reduce the risk of flu-associated hospitalization for children, adults, the elderly and people with chronic underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer and asthma, CHCC said, adding that inoculation can also help protect women during pregnancy and reduce a child’s risk of dying from the flu.
For more information, call the CHCC Immunization Program at 236-8745 or go to http://chcc.cnmi.mp/index.php/division-of-public-health/immunization-program
