With plenty of flu vaccine available and flu activity on the rise, Inyo-Mono Public Health Officer Dr. Richard Johnson recommends that you get a flu vaccine.

This is National Influenza Vaccination Week. Dr. Johnson said with more flu cases, with family and friends gathering for the holidays and cold weather here, it’s a great time to get a flu shot.

Dr. Johnson says flu vaccines are available through your healthcare provider, local pharmacies and the Mono (760-924-1830) and Inyo (760-873-7868) Health Departments. Dr. Johnson explained that the flu vaccine is updated each season to protect against the three flu viruses that research indicates will cause the most illness. He said right now the vaccine is well matched to the flu strains circulating in the U.S.

Dr. Johnson added that this is the first year that everyone six months of age and older is recommended to receive an annual flu vaccine. Flu activity has gone up and usually peaks in January or February, which makes now the best time to get a flu vaccine.