Flu cases increase in Nebraska amid decline in vaccinations

VALENTINE, Neb. - Influenza cases are rising across Nebraska. The latest report from the Department of Health shows that more than 650 people were diagnosed with the flu in just one week. This number only includes those who were tested by doctors, not those who didn’t seek medical attention for their symptoms.

The surge in cases comes as fewer Nebraskans are choosing to get vaccinated, despite the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) saying that it's the single best way to protect yourself from influenza.

“A person doesn’t need to get sick if they can avoid it,” said Gordon Warrick.

Warrick stopped by a vaccination clinic in Valentine.

“Vaccination is always a good idea. It doesn’t hurt,” said Warrick.

But nationwide, and in Nebraska, fewer people are choosing to get a flu shot.

“Vaccinations have been way down for the last two to three years. Some of that they attribute to vaccine fatigue with all of the COVID shots people were getting,” said North Central District Health Department Vaccination Coordinator Jennifer Booker.

According to the CDC, every state except Iowa has seen fewer children getting flu vaccines this season, and flu-related deaths among children are at their highest level since the pandemic. So far one child in Nebraska has died.

“Influenza can be very serious, especially for people who are over 65, people who have immune problems and people who are really young,” said Booker.

Even if you think it’s too late to get vaccinated, Booker says there’s still time. In fact, flu season sometimes doesn’t peak for another couple of months.

“It’s just a safer, smarter thing to do. Why take chances,” said Warrick.

For a list of upcoming flu clinics, check out the NCDHD website.