Influenza Vaccine

Nobody has time for the flu. Thankfully, there’s a simple, free or low-cost way to stay healthy this flu season. Protect yourself and your loved ones from flu by getting a flu shot.

Our goal is to vaccinate 20,000 people in the CNMI for the flu vaccine by January 2021

Do your part to protect our CNMI from the flu.

children

(aged less than 1 year to 18 years old) have been vaccinated for flu in the CNMI

adults

(19 years of age and older) have been vaccinated for flu in the CNMI

people

Total have been vaccinated for flu in the CNMI

As of December 25, 2020

Practice the 3w's

Whether or not you chose to get the flu vaccine, it is important to continue other preventative measures:

What are the benefits of flu vaccination?

- Flu vaccination can keep you from getting sick with flu.
- Reduces the risk of flu-associated hospitalization for children, adults, the elderly and people with chronic underlying health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and asthma.
- Helps protect women during and after pregnancy.
- Significantly reduces a child’s risk of dying from the flu.
- Getting vaccinated will protect people around you.

Flu Facts

Flu vaccines work.

Flu vaccines cannot give you the flu. Most people who get a flu vaccine have no side effects. Some people report having a sore arm from a shot for a day or two.

- Misconceptions about Seasonal Flu and Flu Vaccines -

Flu vaccines are safe.

CDC studiees how that a flu shot usually reduces the risk of getting sick with the flu by between 40% and 60%.

Most flu vaccines in the United States protect against four flu viruses: H1N1, H3N2, and two influenza B viruses.

- Vaccine Effectiveness -

Almost everyone should get a flu vaccine.

Almost everyone 6 months old and older should get a flu shot, especially pregnant women, young children, older adults and people with certain chronic medical conditions.

- Who need a Flu vaccine and When -

Flu Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

This season it’s more important than ever to get a flu shot. Getting a flu shot protects you, your loved ones, and our community from the flu. If you’ve never gotten a flu shot before, this is the year to start.

How serious is the flu?

Influenza (flu) is a potentially serious disease that can lead to hospitalizations and sometimes death. Getting the flu vaccine every year is the best way to help protect against flu. Every flu season is different and influenza infection can affect people differently.

How do flu vaccines work?

The influenza (flu) vaccine contains pieces of killed or weakened virus particles. So, it is impossible to get the flu from the vaccine. Experiencing flu-like symptoms, such as fever and sore arms, after getting the flu shot is a sign that your body is correctly responding to the vaccine.

Does the flu vaccine work right away?

No. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against influenza virus infection. That’s why it’s best to get vaccinated before influenza viruses start to spread in your community.

Why do I need a flu vaccine every year?

A flu vaccine is needed every season for two reasons. First, a person’s immune protection from vaccination declines over time, so an annual vaccine is needed for optimal protection. Second, because flu viruses are constantly changing, flu vaccines may be updated from one season to the next to protect against the viruses that research suggests may be most common during the upcoming flu season. For the best protection, everyone 6 months and older should get vaccinated annually.

What kind of flu vaccines are available?

A flu shot: The viruses in a flu shot are killed (inactivated), so you cannot get flu from a flu shot.

The nasal spray: The viruses in the nasal spray vaccine are weakened and do not cause severe symptoms often associated with influenza illness.

What side effects can occur after getting the flu shot?

A flu shot: The viruses in a flu shot are killed (inactivated), so you cannot get flu from a flu shot. Some minor side effects that may occur are:

- - Soreness, redness, and/or swelling where the shot was given
  - Headache (low grade)
  - Fever
  - Muscle aches
  - Nausea
  - Fatigue

How serious is the flu?

How do flu vaccines work?

Does the flu vaccine work right away?

Why do I need a flu vaccine every year?

What kind of flu vaccines are available?

What side effects can occur after getting the flu shot?

A flu shot: The viruses in a flu shot are killed (inactivated), so you cannot get flu from a flu shot. Some minor side effects that may occur are:

- - Soreness, redness, and/or swelling where the shot was given
  - Headache (low grade)
  - Fever
  - Muscle aches
  - Nausea
  - Fatigue

What side effects can occur after getting the flu nasal spray?

The nasal spray: The viruses in the nasal spray vaccine are weakened and do not cause severe symptoms often associated with influenza illness. In children, side effects from the nasal spray may include:

- - Runny nose
  - Wheezing
  - Headache
  - Vomiting
  - Muscle aches
  - Fever (low grade)

In adults, side effects from the nasal spray vaccine may include:

- - Runny nose
  - Headache
  - Sore throat
  - Cough

Resources

- Seasonal Influenza (Flu)
  
  Key facts, understanding, treatments and more from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

- CNMI Immunization Resources and Services

Where to get the flu vaccine

Make an appointment at the clinic

- Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation (Family Care Clinic, Women’s Clinic, Children’s Clinic)
  📞 (670) 234-8950
- Rota Health Center
  📞 (670) 532-9461
- Tinian Health Center
  📞 (670) 433-9233
- Medical Associates of the Pacific
  📞 (670) 322-9000
- Marianas Medical Center
  📞 (670) 234-3926
- Kagman Community Health Center
  📞 (670)256-5242
- Tinian Isla Community Health
  📞 (670) 433-4750

Visit an outreach event

- Santa Remedio (Tanapag)
  Church Social Hall
  Wednesday, December 16
  From 9:00AM to 3:00PM
- Marianas High School
  Thursday, December 17
  From 9:00AM to 3:00PM
- Southern High School
  Friday, December 18
  From 9:00AM – 3:00PM

Vaccinate CNMI