The flu has already made its way to the area.
Cookeville Regional Medical Center reported cases of the illness during Tuesday’s Planning Committee meeting. CRMC CEO Paul Korth said residents should consider getting vaccinated this year.
“Flu is already starting to hit in some areas around the communities,” Korth said. “We encourage everybody out there to get their flu shots and prepare for what looks like a rough flu season in our community.”
CRMC received its first shipment of the flu vaccine this month. Hospital Chief Operating Officer Scott Williams said high-priority employees will receive the first round of vaccinations.
“For example, in the emergency department for areas of high exposure,” Williams said. “We’ll get another shipment in October, which is a little bit late for flu season. We’ll be getting that next shipment in and that will be more widely distributed.”