CDC raises awareness around flu shots ATLANTA — In preparation
for the National Influenza Vaccination Week, the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention hosted a press conference Friday
afternoon to raise awareness around the universal need for
people to be protected against influenza. “It’s a week that we
typically highlight the importance of the flu vaccine,” Howard
Koh, assistant secretary for health at the Department of Health
and Human Services, told reporters. During a typical season, he
said, most influenza incidents begin picking up in December.
“Flu activity is now increasing across the country, and the flu
season is well underway,” Koh said. “If you’ve been thinking
about getting vaccinated for influenza, now is a very good time
to do so.” At this time last year, added Anne Schuchat, director
of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory
Diseases, the H1N1 flu was in full circulation, and the CDC was
conducting weekly press conferences. “This fall has begun like
so many influenza seasons