It's official: The flu is upon us.
City Health Commissioner Donald F. Schwarz said yesterday that confirmed influenza cases have more than doubled over the last week, from 25 to 60, and he encouraged city residents to get immunized. "If you have not gotten a flu shot this season, it is not too late," Schwarz said.
People who should get vaccinated are children from 6 months to 18 years, pregnant women, people 50 and older, people with certain chronic medical conditions, health-care workers, people who live in nursing homes or other long-term-care facilities, household contacts of people at high risk for complications from flu, and caregivers of children under 6 months.
Schwarz said people should first check with their doctor to get the vaccine. Flu shots are available at some community sites and are free of charge at City Health Care Centers to Philadelphia residents unable to get the vaccine from their doctor. To find out where to get a flu shot near you, go to http://go.philly.com/flu. For more information about immunization, call the city Division of Disease Control at 215-685-6740. - Rita Giordano