INDIANAPOLIS – State health and hospital officials are encouraging Hoosiers to get vaccinated against influenza (flu) as soon as possible, as high levels of transmission are significantly impacting hospitals across the state.
As of December 3, the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) has recorded 24 influenza deaths this season, including the first pediatric flu fatality last week.
With several respiratory illnesses circulating, hospitals have increased patient caseloads. Kris Box, M.D., IDOH Health Commissioner said, “With the upcoming holidays gatherings, it is important to protect yourself and your family from this highly contagious infection.”
The CDC recommends that everyone age 6 months and older get a flu vaccine each year. Because infants younger than 6 months can not be vaccinated, it is important that anyone in a household where a young baby lives or visits get a flu shot to protect the child.
Subscribe to the LND Newsletter to receive stories like this in your mailbox every morning six days a week.
