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New York health department launches flu shot awareness campaign

Xinhua, October 21, 2015 Adjust font size:

New York City's Health Department Tuesday launched a public awareness campaign reminding New Yorkers that the flu vaccination is the best protection against fever and chills.

The campaign will feature four English and two Spanish ads, which will run in subway cars. The campaign will also have a social media presence.

Influenza activity is usually at its peak January through March, but it can start as early as November, so it is important to get vaccinated now -- before influenza season starts, the health department said.

The city's health department is also producing an informational "Influenza Health Bulletin" for the public in English and 11 other languages. The Health Bulletin and other influenza information can be found online.

"It is important to get your flu vaccine as early as possible, and if you can't make it to your doctor's office it's conveniently available at local pharmacies," New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett said.

She said the flu, combined with pneumonia -- a common complication of influenza -- is the third leading cause of preventable death in New York City.

Last year, 1,610 New Yorkers died from influenza and pneumonia. Eighty to 90 percent of influenza-related deaths are among persons aged 65 years and older. Endi