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Influenza is much more than a simple
cold. Tragically, flu kills about 36,000 people each year and requires more
than 226,000 to be hospitalized. Many of these deaths can be prevented by
getting an annual flu shot. Vaccination typically begins in October and can
continue through March, so it’s never too late for you and your family to get
the protection you need.
The American Lung Association makes getting a
flu shot even easier for you with our Flu Clinic Locator. Just enter
your zip code to find public flu clinics conveniently located near your home or
office so you won’t have to wait for a doctor’s appointment. Over 40,000
clinics are ready to help you and your family avoid
the flu this year. Fees, if any, are usually small but call ahead to see if
your insurance plan will cover it.
Be sure to visit our online flu center, too.
You can sign up to get a reminder of when and where your flu shot is scheduled,
and tell your family and friends where they can get a flu shot in their area.
You can also learn more about good health practices that can help protect
children and adults from catching the flu.
If you or someone you know is in a
high-risk category, they should make getting a flu shot this season a priority.
Those especially at risk for the flu are:
- People who are 50 years of age and older
- Women who will be pregnant during influenza season
- Young children who are 6 to 59 months of age
- People with chronic medical conditions such as asthma,
emphysema, chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis,
tuberculosis, cystic fibrosis, heart disease, chronic kidney disease,
diabetes or severe anemia.
- People who have diseases that depress immunity or are
having treatments for these conditions
- Caregivers of high-risk individuals
- Residents of long-term care facilities
If you aren’t in a high-risk group,
though, you can still benefit from getting a flu shot. The American Lung
Association says that a flu shot is safe for people with asthma.
Some people should not get
vaccinated if they have certain allergies or previous medical conditions. Ask
your healthcare provider if it is safe for you to get a flu shot. People over
65 years old should also ask their doctor whether they should also get a
pneumonia vaccine for added protection.
Don’t delay. Plan
for flu season today. Use the American Lung Associations free Flu
Clinic Locator to find a clinic in your neighborhood.
Bernadette A. Toomey,
President & Chief Executive Officer
The mission of the American Lung
Association is to prevent lung disease and promote lung health.
For the American Lung Association nearest you, contact
1-800-LUNGUSA or visit www.lungusa.org.
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