According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year in the United States, on average 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and about 36,000 people die from flu.

Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.

A flu vaccination is the best way to protect against the flu. The flu vaccine protects against three different flu viruses. Getting a flu vaccination is very important for people at high risk for serious flu complications and their close contacts. People at high risk include infants, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart disease, and people 65 and older.

Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.

The VNA's annual "Shoo the Flu" campaign provides low-cost flu and pneumonia vaccinations to Indian River and Brevard County residents over the age of 10 beginning in October.

More flu clinic hosts are needed in order to make this year's "Shoo the Flu" campaign a success! You can help to protect yourself and those around you by hosting a flu shot clinic this fall.

If you know of a business, club, civic organization, homeowner's association, or place of worship that would like to host a VNA "Shoo the Flu" clinic, please contact Nancy Cunningham at 772-567-5551, extension 5146 or ncunningham@vnatc.com.