DeLauro Gets Flu Shot, Urges CT Residents to Protect Themselves

Marks National Pharmacist Day at Hamden’s Apex Pharmacy

NEW HAVEN, CT—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) today marked National Pharmacist Day by getting her flu shot at Hamden’s Apex Pharmacy. While there, she joined with Leslie Balch from the Quinnipiack Valley Health District to urge Connecticut residents to do the same.

“Influenza is not a new disease, but the strains can be different each season and the consequences can be grave,” DeLauro said. “The flu hospitalizes around 200,000 Americans, and kills thousands, annually. We are in the middle of this year’s flu season, which is an intense one, dominated by a particularly virulent strain. Connecticut is one of 46 states reporting widespread infections, with over 600 confirmed cases—almost one third of them in the New Haven area. I strongly urge people to protect themselves and their families and get their flu shot.”

Leslie Balch, Director of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, said: “It’s not too late to get a flu shot to protect you for the rest of this year’s flu season. If you have flu symptoms, stay home to protect yourself and others, cover your cough, and if you are 65 years old or over or have a medical condition that puts you at risk of complications from the flu, call your medical provider early in your illness. You may be a candidate for treatment with antiviral medication.”

The Connecticut Department of Public Health’s latest report shows that New Haven County has already reported about 200 flu cases, out of over 600 statewide. No deaths have been reported. Visits to emergency departments are at the highest level this flu season.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone six months and older gets an annual flu vaccination, with rare exceptions. According to the CDC, flu activity most commonly peaks between December and February.


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