Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH received their annual flu shots Friday in Chattanooga and encourage other Tennesseans to do the same. Immunization against the flu protects not only the person receiving the vaccine but also his or her family, friends and coworkers.

''Getting a flu shot is such a quick and easy thing to do and it will help keep you, your family and others around you healthy this winter,'' Governor Haslam said. ''The flu vaccine is available across the state, so there's no reason not to get one.''

Flu vaccine is arriving throughout Tennessee and is already available in many locations, including county health departments, medical clinics and pharmacies. The Tennessee Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urge annual flu vaccination for everyone over six months of age.

''It's very simple: when you get a flu shot you are protecting yourself, but you're also protecting others who may be more susceptible to illnesses like influenza including the elderly and infants," said Dreyzehner. "With so many options when it comes to getting a flu shot, isn't it worth a few minutes of your time to protect not only yourself but so many other people around you?''

After getting your flu vaccination, it's still important to practice good health habits to protect yourself from the flu and other winter viruses, and to prevent spreading them to others if you do get sick. Good health habits include frequent hand washing with soapy water or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and covering coughs and sneezes with a sleeve or tissue. People who are sick should stay home to recover and to prevent spreading illness to co-workers, friends and others.

Learn more about the benefits of getting a flu vaccine this year at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/flu/default.htm.