HHS HealthBeat (December 12, 2011)

The holiday gift of health

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I’m Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

The holiday season is a very busy time. But there’s one gift you can give – to yourself and the people you care for – that only takes a few minutes. And you can get it while you’re shopping.

It’s a flu vaccination, and you can get it at a lot of places, including malls, drug stores and supermarkets, as well as doctor’s offices. It protects you, and helps to keep you from infecting others.

Surgeon General Regina Benjamin:

``Anyone age six months or older can receive a vaccination, including pregnant women. And there’s a new high-dose vaccine for older Americans.’’ (8 seconds)

There are some choices – the standard shot, a new version with a shorter needle, and a nasal spray.

``When you think about it, your flu vaccination is the nicest holiday gift. It’s the gift of health.’’  (5 seconds)

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I’m Ira Dreyfuss.

Last revised: December 12, 2011