Stay Safe this Holiday Season: National Influenza Vaccination Week

National Influenza Vaccination Week (December 2-6, 2024) is the perfect time to prioritize your health and the health of your loved ones. As we gear up for the holiday season, Housatonic Valley Health District (HVHD) wants to ensure that you and your family stay healthy. 

Do you still need to get your flu vaccine? Visit www.hvhdct.gov to request an appointment before the holiday season to protect you and your family. 

Influenza Vaccine Percent of People with the 2024-2025 Seasonal Influenza Vaccinations


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2024-2025 Flu Vaccinations

  1. Current Vaccination Numbers:
    • By November 30, 2024, 1,022,793 people in Connecticut had received their flu vaccine.
    • Weekly vaccinations started slow in August 2024 but increased rapidly in October, with the highest week reaching 125,000 vaccinations.
    • Vaccinations have started to decline since mid-November.
  2. Vaccination by Age Group:
    • Older adults have the highest vaccination rates: 61% of people aged 80+ and 58% of people aged 70-79.
    • Younger age groups have lower rates: only 12% of people aged 20-29 and 19% of people aged 10-19.
  3. Key Trend:
    • Most vaccinations were completed in October, with older adults leading the way. Younger groups still have low vaccination rates.

Takeaway: If you haven’t gotten your flu vaccine yet, it’s important to do so soon to stay protected during flu season! 

Flu vaccines help protect everyone from getting sick, especially during the holidays! Visit www.hvhdct.gov to request a flu vaccination TODAY! 

Stay Informed: Track Flu Rates in Your Area

Keeping an eye on flu trends can help you stay proactive about your health. These tools allow you to monitor local flu rates and outbreaks in real time:

Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) Influenza Surveillance

Track flu activity across Connecticut using the CT DPH Influenza Surveillance Dashboard. Click here to use this dashboard.


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Based on the provided dashboard data for the week ending November 30, 2024:

  1. Flu Cases (current week ending: 11/30/2024):
  • The current number of flu cases this week is 46, which is lower than last week’s count of 74.
  • The flu cases this season started small in August 2024 but have increased significantly in November 2024.
  • Most cases are caused by A unspecified flu.
  • Flu activity is rising, with more cases appearing in October and November during peak season. 

2. CDC FluView: Explore national and state-level flu trends using the CDC’s FluView Dashboard.


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This resource includes data about the following:

Influenza Resources

It’s always good to stay informed! Here are some trusted resources on flu and the importance of getting vaccinated:

Resources for Overall Holiday Safety

The holidays are a time for joy, but safety should always be a priority. Here are tips to ensure a safe and healthy season:

  • Travel Safety: Buckle up, avoid distractions, and prepare for winter road conditions.
  • Illness Prevention: Wash hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home when feeling unwell.
  • Fire Prevention: Keep live Christmas trees well-watered and away from heat sources. Test smoke alarms to ensure they work.
  • Food Safety: Practice safe food handling—wash hands, avoid cross-contamination, and cook food to safe temperatures.
  • Caring for Mental Health During the Holidays: The holiday season can be stressful and emotionally challenging for many. Consider practicing self-care strategies like setting realistic expectations, managing time effectively, and taking breaks for relaxation. Activities such as daily exercise, gratitude journaling, and setting boundaries with others can also help reduce holiday stress. If you or someone you know is struggling, local resources like the Western CT Coalition and Wellmore Behavioral Health offer support and tools to prioritize mental well-being during this season.

Upcoming HVHD Events 

This month, HVHD is hosting a number of events focused on health and wellness, including opportunities for screenings and health education:

  • Spotting Stroke: Know the Signs and Act Fast
    Date: December 2nd
    Time: 9:00 am – 10:00 am
    Location: Sharon Town Hall
    Description: Join Melissa Braislin, Stroke Program Coordinator at Sharon Hospital, for an educational discussion on stroke and ways to reduce your risk!
  • Alcohol Use in Older Adults
    Date: December 12th
    Time: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
    Location: Southbury Senior Center
    Description: Join Kayla from Western Connecticut Coalition to discuss the effects of alcohol consumption in older adults. Resource materials from SMART will also be provided.

Click here to learn more about HVHD’s events. 

*HVHD’s community-specific events are developed as a result of ongoing partnerships with local organizations in each community. If you see an event organized for a neighboring community that you would like to bring to your own town, please complete this form. 

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