News Releases

Influenza is serious; ‘Flu Shot Friday’ encourages yearly vaccination

  • Newsroom
  • November 1, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Burnestine Taylor, M.D.
(334) 206-5100
CONTACT: Sherri Davidson, Ph.D., M.P.H.
(334) 206-5971
CONTACT: Medical Association of the State of Alabama
(334) 954-2500

The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) and the Medical Association of the State of Alabama encourage everyone to “Get Vaccinated!” as they promote "Flu Shot Friday" on Friday, November 1. The special day is intended to encourage flu shots, which are recommended for those 6 months of age and older.

Influenza season has begun, and Alabama already has districts where influenza is circulating. To monitor the data ADPH receives about the flu season in Alabama, please see the Influenza web page, alabamapublichealth.gov/flu.

Yearly vaccination of all persons 6 months of age and older is the best way to protect yourself and your family from potentially serious complications. Among its many benefits are reducing the risk of flu illness, doctors’ visits, hospitalization and even death.

This influenza season, there is an updated flu vaccine and many vaccine options, including nasal spray vaccine. Everyone is encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

In addition to getting vaccinated, to avoid getting ill you should:

  • Avoid close contact with sick people.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.
  • Routinely, clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs.

In the event you or a family member do become ill, please take the following precautions:

  • Call your provider within the first 24 to 48 hours to see if you are eligible for treatment.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. After using a tissue, throw it in the trash and wash your hands.
  • While sick stay at home, except to get medical care.
  • Limit contact with others as much as possible.
  • Do not leave home until you are fever free for at least 24 hours (i.e., fever is gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)

Contact your private physician, pharmacy or your local county health department for a flu clinic schedule. To find a local provider who offers adult flu vaccine, please review the Adult Immunization Provider web page, alabamapublichealth.gov/immunization/adult-immunization-providers.html.

For more information, visit alabamapublichealth.gov/Immunization/flu-and-pneu-vaccines.html, or contact the ADPH Immunization Division toll free at 800-469-4599.


County health departments throughout Alabama provide a wide range of confidential and professional services. Contact your local county health department for additional information.

Mission: To promote, protect, and improve Alabama’s health

Vision: Healthy People. Healthy Communities. Healthy Alabama.