ATLANTA - August is National Immunization Awareness Month and the Georgia Department of Human Resources Division of Aging Services is encouraging older adults to get immunized against the flu. The flu season, which typically runs from late fall until March, is responsible for an average of more than 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths each year in the United States.
"We are taking the opportunity during the celebration of National Immunization Awareness Month to remind our older adult population to consult their healthcare providers later this year about their immunization needs," said Maria Greene, director of DAS.
Adults aged 50 years and older are encouraged to get flu shots, starting in October and November. In addition, adults aged 65 years and older are encouraged to see their healthcare provider about getting a one-time revaccination against pneumococcal disease, if they received their first dose prior to age 65.
For more information on adult immunizations, visit http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm and http://health.state.ga.us/programs/immunization/adultimm.asp. For additional information on services for older and at-risk adults, visit www.aging.dhr.georgia.gov or call toll-free at 1-866-552-4464.