Through December 7th, celebrate National Influenza Vaccination Week! CDC established National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) in 2005 to highlight the importance of continuing flu vaccination through the holiday season and beyond.

Vaccinating yourself against the flu is important because it helps prevent you from getting the flu and the potential for complications that come from having the flu, like pneumonia and bacterial infections. Also, by getting your own flu vaccination, you help to reduce the chance for children, older adults, and other at-risk groups from getting the flu and the serious complications that may follow.

Flu vaccine prevents millions of illnesses and flu-related doctor’s visits each year. For example, during 2016-2017, flu vaccination prevented an estimated 5.3 million influenza illnesses, 2.6 million influenza-associated medical visits, and 85,000 influenza-associated hospitalizations.

Celebrate this week by getting your flu shot! If you've already gotten yours, be sure to spread the word and encourage others to get their flu shot, if they are able. Visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's website for more information on NIVW.