Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, Texas Department of State Health Services recommends flu shots

The Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District and the Texas Department of State Health Services are recommending students, staff and members of the community protect themselves against the flu by receiving a vaccination.

Vaccinations provide protection against three strains of the flu, including the current strains in circulation, according to the information provided by the Texas Department of State Health Services in the press release.

Only about 37 percent of United States citizens over six months old have been vaccinated as of Monday, Dec. 3, according to the release.

Vaccinations are recommended for everyone six months or older, especially people in high-risk groups such as children, people ages 65 and older, pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions.

"Since prevention of disease is the best way to protect the health and wellness of CFISD students, staff and community, the CFISD health services department supports the CDC and DSHS recommendation that all people ages 6 months and older be immunized against influenza," said Bevin Gordon, CFISD director of health services, in the press release.

Parents and students are also encouraged to wash their hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes and stay home from school when flu-like symptoms are present until they are fever-free for 24 hours without medication.

For more information about the flu, including a vaccine finder, visit www.texasflu.org.

For more information on where to receive a flu shot, contact a health care provider, a local health department or dial 211.