The week after thanksgiving has been designated by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as National Influenza Vaccination Week.

Running from November 27 to December 3, the said event is designed to raise awareness of the importance of continuing influenza (flu) vaccination, as well as foster greater use of flu vaccine through the months of November, December and beyond.

The CDC is recommending that people should take this opportunity to be vaccinated and is hopeful that flu vaccine providers will use this time to enhance flu vaccine availability by scheduling additional clinics; extending clinic hours; and enabling a larger role for mass vaccination at places such as retail locations.

According to Dr. Julie Gerberding, CDC Director:

"Getting vaccinated is the single best way for people to protect not only themselves against flu, but their loved ones as well. National interest in getting a flu vaccination has traditionally tapered off after Thanksgiving.

Since flu activity typically does not peak until February or later, November and December are also good times to be vaccinated. National Influenza Vaccination Week is an excellent opportunity for providers to utilize their resources to help fully realize the potential of influenza vaccination."

As this event approaches, 77 million flu vaccine doses have already been distributed and vaccine supply is expected to reach an all-time high.

Find more details from the press release.