Press Release:
Mayor Mike Wiggins Declares Oct. 11 – 17 Influenza Vaccination Week
Pensacola/Escambia County Public Health, Education Officials Join Mayor Mike Wiggins to Help Increase Escambia County Seasonal Flu Immunization Rates
What: Mayor Mike Wiggins has declared Oct. 11 – 17 Influenza Vaccination Week in Pensacola. A press event featuring local and county partners will be held at Ferry Pass Elementary School to announce the proclamation, which encourages parents to get themselves and their children vaccinated against influenza. The press conference is being held in the school setting to emphasize the role of school-based vaccination programs in protecting Florida’s youth from the seasonal influenza.
Who: Rhonda Shuford, School Principal, Malcolm Thomas, School Superintendent, Dr. John Lanza, Director, Escambia County Health Department, Julie Terrell, School Nurse, Karen Thoennes, Health Services Coordinator for the School District
When: Thursday, October 15 at 9 a.m.
Where: Ferry Pass Elementary School
Why: Influenza, or the “flu,†is a respiratory viral illness that affects 10 to 20 percent of the U.S. population each year. In a typical year, it is estimated that influenza causes an average 36,000 deaths, 200,000 hospitalizations, 25 million physician visits, and up to 60 million illnesses in the United States.
The 2008-2009 Influenza Season was associated with greater overall mortality and higher rates of hospitalizations among children. Escambia County, following CDC recommendations, strongly encourages all residents, especially children and parents, to receive an annual seasonal flu vaccination.