Health officials urge New Mexicans to get flu shot

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - The flu is hitting the country hard, and New Mexico is no exception.

Nearly 100 New Mexicans have been hospitalized with the flu compared with only two people at this time last year.

Experts say it could get worse, and they’re urging people around the state to get their flu shots.

“It's not too late,” said Dr. John Good, pediatrician with ABQ Health Partners in Rio Rancho. “We still have plenty of good supply here.  I know there some shortages nationally but there's plenty of here.”

Dr. Kevin Harrod of the Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute researches how influenza spreads.

He says getting a flu shot helps you and the people around you.

“If a large enough portion of our population can actually get immunization through our flu shots, then we'll also be able to protect everyone,” Harrod said.

It doesn’t have to be a 100-percent-vaccination rate, he said.

“A much lower percentage--80 or 90 percent--would greatly reduce the disease we have in the state,” Harrod added. 

Doctors recommend the flu vaccine for anyone over 6 months old.

It’s particularly important for people with underlying medical conditions.