"When people think of heroes, they tend to think of superheroes like Superman or professional heroes like firefighters or policemen. But we don’t often think about the everyday hero that we work or live with on a daily basis. I’m talking about the person who takes the time to create a plan to do the routine things that help keep us all safe. Things like checking smoke detector batteries, making sure everyone wears a bicycle helmet, and getting a flu or pneumonia shot. These measures, while simple, help keep our families, our colleagues and ourselves safe and healthy. An everyday hero who gets vaccinated can prevent the spread of the flu and other serious respiratory illnesses in our community. It’s very important work — the actions of a true hero!"

—Dr. Deborah McMahan