With flu season on the horizon, the American Lung Association is reminding the public of the importance of getting an annual flu vaccination to protect against severe illness. Influenza, a highly contagious respiratory illness, affects millions of people in the U.S. each year, leading to significant health risks, particularly for those at higher risk of severe complications.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the 2023-2024 flu season saw between 35 and 65 million flu cases, up to 830,000 hospitalizations, and as many as 72,000 deaths. The flu season typically peaks from December through March; therefore, the best time for everyone aged six months and older to receive their flu shot is in September or October before flu starts widely circulating. Vaccination remains the best method to protect against the flu and severe complications, especially for those with chronic conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
“With over 50 years of history and hundreds of millions of flu vaccines administered safely in the U.S., the flu shot remains a vital tool in our public health arsenal,” said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. "Annual flu vaccination is essential to help protect against severe flu-related illness and reduce the burden on our healthcare system. By getting vaccinated, you are not only protecting yourself but also helping to prevent the spread of flu in your community.”
While anyone can contract the flu, certain groups face a higher risk of severe illness and complications that can result in hospitalization or even death. Those at increased risk include:
Additionally, some racial and ethnic minority communities experience a higher burden of severe flu outcomes, including Black, Latino/Hispanic, American Indian, and Alaska Native populations. During the 2023-2024 flu season, influenza hospitalization rates were 129% higher among Black individuals and 32% higher among Latino individuals compared to white individuals.
The 2023-2024 season data revealed that 94.3% of adults and 71% of children hospitalized with influenza had at least one underlying medical condition; chronic lung disease accounted for 35% of these hospitalizations among adults. Additionally, vaccination rates for Black adults were 7% lower than those for white adults—highlighting a significant disparity that needs addressing. Among Medicare Fee-For-Service beneficiaries aged 65 or older, only 38% of Black individuals were vaccinated compared to 52% of white individuals.
Through its prevention campaign focused on influenza awareness and education about vaccine safety alongside other vaccines—including an updated COVID-19 vaccine—the American Lung Association has partnered with CSL Seqirus specifically targeting high-risk groups.
For more information about preventing influenza-related illnesses this upcoming season visit Lung.org/prevent-flu.
___
