INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) today confirmed the state’s first influenza-related death of the 2019-20 flu season.
“This is a tragic reminder that we should never underestimate how serious the flu can be,” said State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG. “Vaccination is the best defense against influenza, so please make sure you and your loved ones receive a flu shot.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone age 6 months and older get a flu vaccine each year. Dr. Box said that because infants younger than 6 months can’t be vaccinated, it’s important that anyone in a household where a young baby lives or visits get a flu shot to protect the child. Healthcare workers also are urged to get a flu vaccine to reduce their risk of transmitting illness to their patients.
It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies that protect against flu to develop in the body, so the CDC recommends early vaccination. However, the flu vaccine can be administered at any time during the season, which typically runs from October through May.
