Campaign urges all Delawareans to get flu vaccinations

The Delaware Division of Public Health is partnering with healthcare, faith-based and community partners to launch Fight Flu DE, an aggressive communications campaign to mobilize all Delawareans to get their flu vaccinations.

Working to reach diverse audiences through influencers and with messaging that will motivate them to get the flu vaccine, the campaign integrates grassroots outreach with mass-media marketing strategies to make sure people know where they can get a flu vaccine regardless of insurance coverage.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a greater urgency for Delawareans to get vaccinated against influenza.

“This year it is more important than ever to get your flu vaccine, as we are dealing with uncertainties around how flu season will look this year with COVID-19 circulating at the same time,” said Gov. John Carney. “While the flu vaccine will not prevent you from getting COVID, it has many important benefits. It will reduce your chance of getting the flu and flu-related complications, while saving critical healthcare resources to treat COVID patients.”

Delawareans are urged to think about the four types of locations where they can get their flu vaccines this year:Medical provider offices or community health clinics, Pharmacies; Community Flu Clinics; DPH Clinics for uninsured and underinsured individuals.

A list of community and DPH flu clinic sites can be found on flu.delaware.gov, or by using a web browser to search "CDC flu finder" and entering a ZIP code.

The flu vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization, and death by about half.

“Getting a flu vaccine is one of the most important things that every Delawarean, 6 months and older, can do to protect themselves from flu illness,” said Molly Magarik, Department of Health and Social Services secretary. “It is critically important that persons over age 65 and those with underlying medical conditions of any kind get the vaccine as soon as possible.”

Those at greater risk of flu illness include pregnant women, children under age 2, and African Americans and Hispanics, who are more often impacted by chronic diseases such as lung and heart disease, obesity, and asthma.

It takes about two weeks after receiving the flu vaccine for antibodies that protect against influenza virus infection to develop in the body, so people should get vaccinated as early as possible to give their body time to build immunity. Getting the flu vaccine now will provide protection during the entire flu season.

“It will also be vitally important that Delawareans step up their efforts around wearing face coverings, social distancing and washing or sanitizing their hands frequently, not only to protect against COVID-19, but also against flu in the coming months,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “It’s possible they may be the key to a milder flu season this year – but only if we stay vigilant in our efforts.”

In addition to these basic prevention measures, cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and dispose of tissues immediately. If a tissue is not available, people should cough or sneeze into their inner elbow. Droplets from a sneeze can travel up to six feet. Also avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth. Stay away from people who are coughing or sneezing.

Some signs and symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, including fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny or stuffy nose, headaches and body aches, chills and fatigue. Both COVID-19 and flu can have varying degrees of signs and symptoms, ranging from none to severe. Testing can help people determine which they have.

COVID-19 symptoms that are different from flu may include change in or loss of taste or smell. Also, flu symptoms generally come on more suddenly than COVID symptoms.

“La Red Health Center  is pleased to partner with the Delaware Division of Public Health in providing the flu vaccine at each of its family practice sites in Georgetown, Milford and Seaford,” said Kevin Loftus, marketing and communications director.

During the 2019-20 flu season, Delaware recorded 7,075 laboratory-confirmed flu cases. More than 362 Delawareans were hospitalized due to the flu, and 11 people died from flu complications.

Those sick with the flu should stay home from work, school and other gatherings, and not return until they have been free of fever – with temperature less than 100 degrees F, without the use of fever-reducing medications – for at least 24 hours. People with flu symptoms should avoid close contact with well people in the household and stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other clear liquids. Over-the-counter medicines can provide symptom relief, but if people suspect they have influenza, they should call a doctor, who may decide to provide antiviral medications to help hasten recovery and prevent serious complications.

For more information about the flu and where to get vaccinated, visit flu.delaware.gov or call 1-800-282-8672.