Health Officials: Flu season is inevitable, so flu prevention is essential; protect yourself and your family by getting a flu shot.

The annual tracking of flu activity has begun at local health departments. El Paso County’s 2007-08 flu season saw more hospitalized flu cases than any of the previous four seasons.

El Paso county also reported the highest number and rate of hospitalized flu cases compared to all Colorado counties—including Denver—20 percent higher than the state average.

Dr. Bernadette Albanese, M.D. with the El Paso County health department says, "This concerning data should serve as strong motivation for getting a flu shot this season."

Health officials say about one in five people get infected with the flu each season. For the 2008-09 flu season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is expanding its age recommendations for the flu vaccine to include all children ages six-months to 18 years old—along with seniors, individuals with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and care providers for high-risk individuals.

Current Colorado immunization data shows that only one in three children under two years of age are vaccinated for the flu, and less than half of adults with high-risk medical conditions get a flu shot.

The best way to protect yourself and your family is to get a flu vaccination.

The make-up of the flu vaccine for 2008-2009 has been completely changed from last year, and public health officials are optimistic that the vaccine will be very effective in protecting persons against infection.

The flu vaccine takes about two weeks to reach full immunity and provides season-long protection against infection.

CDC has reported that flu vaccine will be plentiful this flu season, so anyone who wants protection from the flu can get a vaccination.

Health officials say getting the flu vaccination is not just about protecting yourself. When you get vaccinated, you also protect your loved ones by helping to stop the spread of flu in your homes and family.

For more information on when and where you can get a flu shot, or if you'd like to contact the health department with any questions, you can click on the links below to get to the El Paso County or Pueblo City-County health departments' websites.