Cumberland Plateau & LENOWISCO Health Districts Encourage All Residents to Get Vaccinated for the Flu
September 29, 2026
Media Contact: Daniel Hunsucker; Daniel.Hunsucker@vdh.virginia.gov
Cumberland Plateau & LENOWISCO Health Districts Encourage All Residents to Get Vaccinated for the Flu
WISE, Va. – Influenza (flu) season is here. The Virginia Department of Health’s Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts encourage everyone six months and older who lives, works or plays in southwest Virginia to receive their annual influenza vaccine.
During the 2025-2026 respiratory season, Virginia reported two pediatric flu deaths and more than 80,000 emergency department visits for diagnosed flu, COVID-19, and RSV.
“In rural communities, where access to medical care may require longer travel and hospitals can have limited capacity, preventing illness is especially important,” said Reisa Sloce, director, Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts. “We encourage everyone ages 6 months and older to talk with their health care provider or local pharmacy about getting vaccinated early, so they can be protected before flu begins to spread widely.”
Flu season, the period of highest influenza activity, normally begins in early October and ends in late May. While seasonal influenza outbreaks can happen as early as October, during most seasons, activity often peaks in January or February.
A flu vaccine is needed every season for two reasons. First, the body’s immune response from vaccination declines over time, so an annual vaccine is needed for optimal protection. Second, because flu viruses are constantly changing, the formulation of the flu vaccine is reviewed each year and updated to keep up with changing flu viruses.
“Getting a flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available is one of the simplest and most effective steps people can take to protect themselves, their families, and their community during flu season,” said Michelle McPheron, nurse manager, Cumberland Plateau and LENOWISCO Health Districts. “Vaccination helps reduce the risk of serious illness, missed work and school, and strain on local health care services.”
Influenza is a serious disease caused by the influenza virus that affects the respiratory tract. The flu is highly contagious and generally spreads from person-to-person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can be transmitted even before flu-like symptoms appear. A person usually becomes sick one to three days following exposure to the virus. Typical flu symptoms include fever, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches and extreme fatigue.
To minimize your risk of contracting or transmitting the flu, follow these simple steps:
- Get vaccinated.
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, for at least 20 seconds.
- Cover your cough, either by using a disposable tissue or coughing into your sleeve, not your hand.
- Stay at home when you are sick.
It is safe to get both the flu and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time. For more information, contact your local health department directly: Buchanan 276-935-4591; Dickenson 276-926-4979; Lee 276-346-2011; Russell 276-889-7621; Scott 276-386-1312; Tazewell 276-988-5585; Wise/Norton 276-328-8000; or visit the VDH flu page.
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