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'Flu Shot Friday' initiative encourages Alabamians to get flu vaccine

The public information campaign aims to encourage Alabamians ages 6 months and older to take the flu shot.

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — The Alabama Medical Association is teaming up with the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) in a statewide initiative: "Flu Shot Friday."

The public information campaign aims to encourage Alabamians ages 6 months and older to take the flu shot.

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“Cooler temperatures outside mean it is officially flu season in Alabama and the best way to protect yourself is to get the flu vaccine,” said Alabama Medical Association President Dr. Aruna Arora.  “This year it is especially important to get the flu vaccine to help reduce the burden on our health care system, which has been overwhelmed with COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations.”

County health departments are offering flu shots to Alabamians throughout the state. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone ages 6 months or older get the shot, especially people at high risk for flu-related complications, according to the Alabama Medical Association.

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The Alabama Department of Public Health also has informational resources regarding the flu vaccine on its website.

“The flu is one of the leading causes of death in Alabama each year,” ADPH Medical Officer Burnestine Taylor. “Everyone needs to take it seriously and get vaccinated.”

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