Health officials at Outer Banks Health are encouraging the community to get a flu vaccine, as this year’s flu season is expected to be more active than that of past years. Local and national trends show increased circulation of the H3N2 strain, which is included in this year’s flu vaccine.
People aged six months and older can receive the standard flu vaccine, while adults 65 and older are eligible for the higher-dose vaccine.
Receiving the flu vaccine now gives your body time to build protection before flu activity increases. Early vaccination helps reduce community spread, protects vulnerable individuals and supports healthcare teams during busy seasons. Frequent, thorough handwashing is also encouraged to strengthen the line of defense against illness.
The flu vaccine is safe, effective and carefully tested each year. Like an umbrella that helps you stay dry even though you can’t stop the rain, a flu vaccine helps protect against illness and reduces its spread to others. You may still experience mild symptoms, but your protection lessens the impact on you and lowers the chance of spreading the flu to others.
Most pharmacies offer walk-in appointments for a wide range of ages. Talk to your healthcare provider if you need additional information, have questions or would like to discuss your care plan.
About Outer Banks Health
Outer Banks Health is a growing health system that provides a range of health and wellness services for our community. Designed especially to meet the health needs of our coastal community, whose year-round population of 35,000 swells to over 250,000 in the summer season, we’re first in the state for patient satisfaction, first in the nation to pilot groundbreaking rural health cancer programs, and the very first to be designated a Dementia Friendly Hospital. We work with our partners, ECU Health and Chesapeake Regional Healthcare, along with other health organizations throughout North Carolina and Virginia, to help our residents and visitors access the best possible care for their diagnosis. Many times we deliver that care right here, close to home.
