Prince George's Urged Residents to Get Flu Shots Before Winter

Prince George's County health officials closed out 2025 with a public reminder that the annual influenza vaccine remains the best defense against seasonal flu. The department encouraged residents to obtain flu shots at local health centers, participating pharmacies and clinics, and provided scheduling links and contact information on its website to help residents make appointments.

The release emphasized that vaccination is safe and effective and that immunization reduces hospitalizations and helps protect vulnerable community members during the winter season. Health officials singled out high-risk groups for strong recommendation: young children, older adults, pregnant people and people with chronic medical conditions. For these residents, timely vaccination can lower the risk of severe illness and ease pressure on emergency departments and hospital resources.

For Prince George's County, where access to primary care and transportation can vary widely across neighborhoods, the health department pointed to multiple access points for vaccination. Local health centers, retail pharmacies and community clinics were listed as participating providers, and the county made scheduling information available online to reduce barriers to uptake. The department also reinforced that annual vaccination is recommended even for people who received a flu shot in previous years because circulating strains change seasonally.

Public health experts warn that influenza can compound ongoing health disparities. Lower vaccination rates in underserved neighborhoods can lead to higher illness and hospitalization rates, particularly among residents with chronic disease or limited access to care. County outreach and the availability of shots at multiple community locations are intended to reduce those gaps by bringing vaccines closer to where people live, work and attend school.

The timing of the county reminder coincided with the peak of respiratory virus season, when emergency departments typically see increased patient volume. By encouraging broad vaccination, health officials aimed to protect individuals and prevent additional strain on local hospitals and clinics already managing flu and other winter illnesses.

Residents seeking flu shots were directed to the county's online scheduling resources and to participating pharmacies and community clinics for appointment details and hours. The county framed vaccination as an act that protects not only individuals but families and neighbors, reinforcing the collective benefit of higher immunization coverage across Prince George's communities.