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KCHD promotes flu vaccines with annual #WeCanForLeeann campaign

When Don Samples tragically lost his wife of 22 years, Leeann, to the flu in 2014, he honored her memory by encouraging friends, family and the community to do the one thing she didn't – get a flu vaccine.

Knox County — The Knox County Health Department (KCHD) has resumed its annual #WeCanForLeeann campaign, which promotes flu vaccination.

When Don Samples tragically lost his wife of 22 years, Leeann, to the flu in 2014, he honored her memory by encouraging friends, family and the community to do the one thing she didn’t – get a flu vaccine.

“After we lost Leeann, I wanted to do something to celebrate her, and I wanted another way for our daughters to remember their mom,” Samples said. “Since her birthday was October 29, which is during flu season, it just seemed like a good idea to ask people to get their flu shot in her honor. The effort has grown every year, and in 2016 I reached out to the health department to see if they would partner with us. And that’s what brought us to where we are today.”

The community is encouraged to post a photo on social media after getting the flu vaccine with the hashtag #WeCanForLeeann.

RELATED: #WeCanforLeeann: Widower turns grief into fight against the flu

More information, including a short film, about Don and Leeann as well as the annual campaign is available at knoxcounty.org/health/WeCanForLeeann.

Early estimates by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that more than 900,000 people were hospitalized and more than 80,000 died from flu during the 2017-2018 flu season, record-breaking numbers according to officials. The flu vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of flu illness, and a growing body of evidence supports that vaccination also reduces the risk of serious flu outcomes that can result in hospitalization and even death.

“Last year’s flu season was devastating and tragically demonstrated how serious the flu can be,” KCHD Director Dr. Martha Buchanan said. “It was a heartbreaking reminder that all of us must do everything we can to prevent the flu; this includes getting vaccinated.”

Flu vaccinations are available in the community at medical providers and pharmacies. They are also at all three KCHD locations. To make an appointment at KCHD, call 865-215-5070.

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