CDC: Keep Pushing Flu Shots—Cases Are Still Climbing

If your urgent care center has not seen a boom in patients reporting with flu-like symptoms, don’t assume it’s going to be a slow influenza season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the annual peak is merely delayed, not lower than expected. In fact, most of the United States is still seeing a gradual climb in reported cases with this year’s peak not expected until at least January. New Jersey and South Carolina had the greatest incidence in the most recent data reported the CDC, while Minnesota had the largest increase in influenza-like illness activity. The agency continues to promote flu shots as a national public health imperative for the 2015–16 season. Locally, the time to take one more look at your immunization rate, available supply of vaccine, and flu-season promotional plans is now.