In late August, DSS issued a memo stressing the importance of influenza vaccination for residents and staff in assisted living facilities (ALFs). DSS states that ALFs should be making plans now on how residents and staff will receive their vaccines. The memo also explains the Virginia Immunization Information System (VIIS) used to create accurate immunization records for Virginia residents.

In a separate letter to health care clinicians, State Health Commissioner Dr. Norman Oliver emphasizes the importance of widespread flu vaccination for residents and staff and the need for facilities to enroll in VIIS.

Additional resources on influenza can be found below:
Influenza in Virginia
Prevent the Flu
Influenza Information for Healthcare Professionals and Facilities