Governor Proclaims Get Your Flu Shot Day 2023

WHEREAS, influenza is a contagious respiratory virus that can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death; and

WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that influenza caused 27 – 54 million flu illnesses, 12 – 26 million flu medical visits, 300,000 – 650,000 flu hospitalizations, and 19,000 – 58,000 flu deaths during the 2022 – 2023 season; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina had high rates of influenza infections early in the season in 2022, particularly among vulnerable populations; and

WHEREAS, each flu season, approximately 5 to 20 percent of the population will get influenza; and

WHEREAS, the first and most important step in minimizing the risk of an influenza infection is to get an annual flu vaccine; and

WHEREAS, influenza vaccination prevents illnesses, medical visits, hospitalizations, and deaths; it is best to be vaccinated in early fall, before influenza typically begins spreading in the United States;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim September 25, 2023, as “GET YOUR FLU SHOT DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.