Texas Children’s employees are role models for our coworkers, our patients and our families. One of the most important ways we can lead during this year’s flu season is to get vaccinated against the potentially deadly illness.
Kay Tittle, president of Texas Children’s Pediatrics, agreed and elaborates below on how important it is to be a role model and to get your annual flu shot.
“One of the most important things we can do is to get the flu vaccine,” Tittle said. “It will provide protection for ourselves, our patients, our coworkers and our families.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every season. This recommendation has been in place since February 24, 2010 when the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted for universal flu vaccination in the United States to expand protection against the flu to more people. Vaccination to prevent influenza is particularly important for people who are at high risk of serious complications from influenza. Those people include many of the patients seen here at Texas Children’s Hospital.
Influenza activity so far this year has been low in the United States, including Texas, according to the CDC, which collects, compiles and analyzes information on influenza activity year round in the United States and produces a weekly report from October through mid-May. That doesn’t mean this year’s flu season will be mild.
While seasonal flu outbreaks can happen as early as October, most of the time flu activity peaks between December and February, although activity can last as late as May. So, the time is still right for you to get your flu vaccine and join the more than 80 percent of Texas Children’s employees who already have.
Employee Health is administering free seasonal influenza vaccinations to all Texas Children’s employees, Baylor College of Medicine employees working in Texas Children’s facilities, Texas Children’s medical staff and volunteers.
Please schedule an appointment to get the flu vaccine at the Employee Health Clinic by calling Ext. 4-2150. Leaders can request a flu cart to their unit by calling the same number. If you received your vaccine elsewhere, please fax a statement from your doctor or pharmacist saying you did so to Ext. 4-2141 or via interoffice mail to Employee Health A5527.