The CDC recommends annual flu shots for everyone 6 months and older. Vaccinating by the end of October can be an important step with the continued presence of coronavirus in communities across the Commonwealth. Remember, DSS has also issued a memo stressing the importance of influenza vaccination for residents and staff in assisted living facilities (ALFs). DSS also explains the Virginia Immunization Information System (VIIS) used to create accurate immunization records for Virginia residents.

In a separate letter to health care clinicians, State Health Commissioner Dr. Norman Oliver emphasizes the importance of widespread flu vaccination for residents and staff and the need for facilities to enroll in VIIS.

Additional resources on influenza can be found below:

• Influenza in Virginia
• Prevent the Flu
• Influenza Information for Healthcare Professionals and Facilities
• CMS Flu Shot webpage
• CDC Flu website