Daily HealthBeat Tip

Who wants to be home for the holidays with the flu?

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I'm Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

It's hard to be jolly in the Season to be Jolly when you're in bed with the flu. Who needs that? So, if you don't have one yet, get an early-holiday gift for yourself and your family – influenza vaccination. That's why November 27th through December third is National Influenza Vaccination Week.

No, flu vaccination is not as much fun as a new toy. But you'll enjoy the holiday more – and won't spread influenza at the parties, either. Plus, there's plenty of flu vaccine available.

Dr. Julie Gerberding of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

"Influenza can keep you from enjoying this special time of year. CDC is encouraging anyone who wants to avoid influenza to get vaccinated." (eight seconds)

For more information, call 1 800 CDC INFO. And learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I'm Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: November 27, 2006

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