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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 2, 2020 |
Contact: Jen Childress 515-422-4498 |
Washington State Leaders Lead by Example, Promote Flu Vaccination
The COVID-19 pandemic has made getting our flu shots more important than ever.
Tacoma, Wash., Mayor Victoria Woodards and Washington state Speaker of the House Laurie Jinkins have received their flu shots and are encouraging residents to do the same. With the convergence of COVID-19 and flu season, the CDC reports that getting a flu shot is critical and necessary to protect ourselves, those we love, and our communities – especially people at highest risk of flu complications, namely the approximately 200 million Americans over the age of 50 or who have chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and asthma.
“Getting your flu shot is practically painless, and it’s an easy way that each of us can help ourselves, our loved ones, and our community,” said Mayor Woodards. “By getting a shot now, you are prioritizing good health in the months ahead and limiting potential burdens on our healthcare system.”
The flu is more than just a bad cold; it is a serious respiratory illness. Even if you don’t have a chronic disease or special risk factors for flu, it is important to protect yourself and others by getting a flu shot this year.
“Right now, Tacoma-Pierce County’s flu activity is low. Less than 1 percent of patients admitted to the hospital had flu-like illnesses. We have not yet had any flu deaths or flu outbreaks in long-term care settings. Let’s keep it that way by getting our flu shots today,” said Speaker Jinkins.
Tacoma area residents can find more information on local resources, such as free drive-thru flu vaccine clinics including one at the Tacoma Dome on November 7, at https://www.tpchd.org /flu.
“We applaud Mayor Woodards and Speaker Jinkins for leading by example, and you can too. If you are at risk for flu-related complications, give your flu shot high priority this year,” said John M. Clymer, Executive Director of the National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention. “Help Washington in the Race to 200 million. Get your flu shot today. Learn more about the benefits of getting your flu shot and where to safely get your flu shot by visiting TheRaceto200M.com. Please also share via social media with #TheRaceTo200M.”
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The National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention brings together the most dynamic and diverse organizations united by a goal to eliminate cardiovascular health disparities and achieve health equity. Its members represent more than 100 public, private, and nonprofit sector organizations. The National Forum is an independent non-profit, 501(c)(3), voluntary health organization. To learn more, visit www.nationalforum.org.
The Race to 200M, a national education campaign from the American Nurses Association, aims to ignite urgency around flu vaccination, especially among the 200 million Americans at most risk for the complications of flu.
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