evidence: NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Health is encouraging all Tennesseans not to wait to get their annual flu vaccinations as the best prevention against getting or spreading the flu virus. "The elderly, people with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, and young children are all at risk of severe complications if they get the flu,’’ TDH Commissioner Ralph Alvarado, MD, FACP said. "Flu activity is expected to grow from this point forward, in Tennessee and nationally. So, please don’t delay getting a flu vaccine. It’s the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your neighbors." All Tennesseans, six months and older, are eligible to get the flu vaccine. Nationally, 7.5 million illnesses, 105,000 hospitalizations, and 6,300 deaths could be prevented annually if more people choose to get a flu vaccine. The flu vaccine is safe and effective and can protect against the most common types of circulating flu viruses, and the flu’s worst symptoms.