Del. health officials urge residents to get the flu shot, after record number of cases last year

DOVER, Del. – Delaware health officials are urging residents to get this year’s flu shot, after recording almost 10,000 cases last year.

Statewide there are a number of efforts underway, like the drive-thru clinic hosted Tuesday by the Division of Public Health. We’re told the flu season started early this year. In Delaware, they already had 16 cases in September and October.

We learned that last year the state had a tough time getting a vaccine that covered the predominant strain of the flu virus, so they are hopeful that this year will be different.

Secretary of Health and Social Services, Dr. Cara Walker says, “We’re hoping that this year we’ll have better coverage because typically it’s an alternating year of Flu A and Flu B. So, we should have better coverage and people should be protected to not get the flu but then again you never know, so that’s why we’re encouraging everyone to get the vaccine.”

DPH says the most vulnerable should get the shots that includes kids, seniors, and those with chronic conditions. The vaccine will cover four strains of the flu.

There will be another flu clinic this Thursday at the Dover Public Library from 9 AM – 12 PM. If you’d like a full list of the flu clinic schedule, click here.