Protect yourself and your family this holiday season by getting a flu shot. More flu vaccine is expected to be available than ever before.  Now is the perfect time to prepare for the holidays by getting a flu vaccination and practicing good health habits.

These habits include staying home when you’re sick, covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and washing your hands often with soap and warm water. All of these can prevent the spread of flu.

If you haven’t already received your flu shot, it’s time to protect yourself and your family by getting one.  It is especially crucial for people who are at high risk and anyone who lives with or cares for a high risk person. This includes anyone over 50; children 6-59 months of age; and children and adults with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. Also at high risk are pregnant women and residents of nursing homes or long-term care facilities. Anybody caring for people at high risk should also get a flu shot.

About 36,000 people die from the flu each year nationally, and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications.

This year it’s estimated that 110-115 million doses of vaccine will be available – a record amount. Some vaccine shipments were delayed early in the vaccination season, but more vaccine is now available and will continue to arrive in December.