Phoebe reminds us about flu season - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Phoebe reminds us about flu season

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ALBANY, GA (WALB) -

With flu season quickly approaching, Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital is making a proactive effort to lower the number of cases of flu seen in Southwest Georgia. The hospital will be kicking off its 2012 campaign to encourage vaccinations against the virus.

Every year the influenza virus begins to make a mark on the United States in the fall, usually in October or November, and runs its course by early spring, impacting millions of people across the country.

The hospital is holding a flu vaccination campaign kickoff event in the Solarium of Phoebe's cafeteria.

Joel Wernick, president/CEO of Phoebe Health System, and Dr. Carlos Franco, MD, are speaking on the importance of the vaccinations, and Phoebe executives are receiving doses. Phoebe is requiring all employees and volunteers to be vaccinated and is hoping to lead the community by example.

Hospital officials say that they hope seeing the community's hospital take the necessary steps to prevent the spread of the flu virus will encourage the general public to do the same.

The Centers for Disease Control say that the vaccine is important in preventing the spread of the virus, and is imperative for those people with compromised immune systems, such as pregnant women and the elderly.

 

Vaccines are available for employees and hospital volunteers only.

 

 

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