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DOH Immunization Program conducts outreach event

The Department of Health (DOH) Immunization Program conducted an immunization (flu shots/phenomena shots and hepatitis A) outreach last Saturday in front of the KFC malae and in Faga'alu Park, which was mainly for teenage children 11 to 14 years of age and adults.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website - www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/diease - seasonal influenza, commonly called the ‘the flu' is caused by influenza viruses, which infect the respiratory tract (throat, nose, lungs). Unlike many other viral respiratory infections, such as the common cold, the flu can cause severe illness and life threatening complications in many people. In the United States, on average 5% to 20% gets the flu and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from seasonal flu- related complications.Flu seasons are unpredictable and can be severe. Between 1976 and 2006, estimates of flu associated deaths in the United States ranged from a low of about 3,000 to a high of about 49,000 people. Some people, particularly older people, young children, pregnant women and people with certain conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. The best way to prevent seasonal flu is by getting a seasonal flu vaccination each year.Department of Health officials who were on hand Saturday would like the public to call 699-8464 or 699-8465 for any questions about the Department of Health's Immunization Program.