A SIMPLE STEP TO PROTECT YOUR COMMUNITY

Flu season is coming, and getting your annual flu shot is about more than protecting yourself. It’s also about protecting the people around you. When more people are vaccinated, there are fewer opportunities for influenza to spread through families, workplaces, schools, and our community—helping protect those who are at greater risk of serious complications.

And influenza is not “just a bad cold.” During the 2024–2025 flu season, the CDC estimates that influenza caused approximately 51 million illnesses, 23 million medical visits, 710,000 hospitalizations, and 45,000 deaths in the United States. The good news? Flu vaccination prevented an estimated 10 million illnesses, 5 million medical visits, 180,000 hospitalizations, and 12,000 deaths that season.

Vaccination can also make a difference if you do get sick. Studies have shown that

vaccinated people who get influenza may have a lower risk of severe outcomes,

including hospitalization. During the 2024–2025 season, CDC estimates found that

vaccination provided measurable protection against flu-associated hospitalization in both adults and children.

Which Flu Shot Should You Get? The CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for

everyone six months and older, with a few exceptions. For most people under 65, a

standard age-appropriate flu vaccine is appropriate. If you're 65 or older, the CDC preferentially recommends a high-dose, recombinant, or adjuvanted flu vaccine when available. These vaccines are designed to produce a stronger immune response in older adults, whose immune systems may not respond as

strongly to vaccination.

Whether you're protecting yourself, your grandchildren, your coworkers, or a loved one with health conditions that put them at higher risk, getting vaccinated is one small step that can make a big difference.

We offer walk-in vaccinations at Norland from 9am-6pm and at Carl’s from 10am-5pm. For those of you who prefer to have an appointment, we will be offering appointments at

Norland. To book, visit NorlandRx.com.