Inova HealthSource Joins National Effort to Promote National Influenza Vaccination Week

Vaccinations Remain Best Protection Against Flu Virus

Falls Church, VA – (December 8, 2008) – Inova Health System’s HealthSource program is joining the national effort to promote National Influenza Vaccination Week, December 8-14.

The CDC designated the week of December 8-14 as National Influenza Vaccination Week to highlight the importance of continuing influenza vaccination and to encourage use of flu vaccine throughout the winter months.

Each year, approximately 36,000 Americans die of complications from the flu, and more than 200,000 are hospitalized as a result of contracting the virus.

“Even though the flu shot may be a little uncomfortable, it certainly beats being stricken with influenza,” says Rachel Lynch, Program Manager, Prevention and Self-Care, Inova HealthSource. “The temperatures may be mild now, but flu season usually lasts well into February, and getting a flu shot remains the most effective way to prevent influenza.”

Research indicates there is a great deal of misinformation circulating about the flu vaccine. People cannot get the flu as a result of vaccination.

To find out more about Inova HealthSource’s flu clinics, or to schedule an appointment, go to www.inova.org/flu.

Inova Health System is a not-for-profit health care system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency and urgent care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.