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Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam protects himself and others by getting Annual Flu Shot

Flu Vaccines Now Available Statewide

Tennessee Department of Health - TDOHJohnson City, TN – Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam rolled up his sleeve today in Johnson City for his annual flu shot. In doing so, the governor took an important step to protect himself, his friends, family members and others from getting influenza.

During a mid-day stop at the Tennessee Department of Health Northeast Regional Health Office, Governor Haslam said he hoped more Tennesseans would be vaccinated soon so they can reduce their risks of getting the flu themselves or possibly transmitting it to others.

Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam receives his annual seasonal flu vaccination from Beth Denney, RN at the Tennessee Department of Health Northeast Regional Health Office in Johnson City, Tennessee October 19th, 2015.
Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam receives his annual seasonal flu vaccination from Beth Denney, RN at the Tennessee Department of Health Northeast Regional Health Office in Johnson City, Tennessee October 19th, 2015.

“It only takes a few minutes to get the vaccine through an injection or nasal spray and it is available in every county of Tennessee,” Governor Haslam said. “When a person gets immunized, he or she helps create a flu barrier that can help stop the spread of influenza to others.”

Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH, said it appears the flu season may be starting earlier this year and getting the vaccine as soon as possible will improve a person’s chances for avoiding or preventing the spread of the illness.

“When we receive the flu vaccine, by either injection or nasal spray, protection doesn’t start immediately; it takes about two weeks for most,” Dreyzehner said. “Getting the flu shot early gives our bodies time to create that barrier that protects us and people around us.”

Flu vaccine is now widely available across Tennessee in primary care offices, pharmacies, county health departments and other locations. The low-cost vaccine is covered by many health insurance plans and is available via injections and, if eligible, nasal spray.

After getting your flu vaccination, it’s still important to practice good health habits to protect yourself from the flu and other winter viruses, and to prevent spreading them to others if you do get sick. Good health habits include frequent hand washing with soapy water or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and covering coughs and sneezes with a sleeve or tissue. People who are sick should stay home to recover and to prevent spreading illness to co-workers, friends and others.

Learn more about the benefits of getting a flu vaccine this year at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/flu/default.htm

About the Tennessee Department of Health

The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health is to protect, promote and improve the health and prosperity of people in Tennessee. TDH has facilities in all 95 counties and provides direct services for more than one in five Tennesseans annually as well as indirect services for everyone in the state, including emergency response to health threats, licensure of health professionals, regulation of health care facilities and inspection of food service establishments.

Learn more about TDH services and programs at www.tn.gov/health

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