To mark the start of National Influenza Vaccination Week, four major health organizations are urging all individuals aged six months and older to receive their annual flu vaccine. The American Heart Association, American Lung Association, American Diabetes Association (ADA), and National Foundation for Infectious Diseases highlighted the importance of vaccination, particularly for those with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and lung disease.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the 2024–2025 flu season was classified as high severity across all age groups. It saw the highest rate of hospitalizations since 2010-2011. Data from last year showed that most adults (94.1%) and over half of children hospitalized with influenza had at least one underlying medical condition.
“While the flu can be risky for anyone, people with diabetes are at higher risk for developing serious complications from the flu. The ADA recommends that everyone eligible living with diabetes get a flu vaccine. Getting vaccinated can help reduce the risk of getting the flu and related complications—for both you and your loved ones,” said Rita Kalyani, MD, MHS, chief scientific and medical officer at the ADA.
“Flu vaccination is more than personal protection—it’s protecting loved ones and a commitment to community health. Every flu shot helps prevent severe illness, hospitalizations, and even death, especially among older adults and those with chronic conditions. Getting your flu vaccine is a simple step that delivers a powerful impact: safeguarding your health and the health of those around you,” said Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., M.P.H., FAHA, Chief Medical Officer for Prevention at the American Heart Association.
Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association stated: “Influenza is a respiratory illness, so people with lung diseases like asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension and other lung diseases are at a significantly higher risk for severe illness, complications and hospitalization. The flu can also worsen existing chronic lung disease symptoms. In addition to people living with lung disease, their family members should also get vaccinated to help protect their loved ones. This holiday season, give yourself, your family and your community a gift of health by getting your annual flu shot, and talk to your healthcare provider about other critical respiratory virus vaccinations that are recommended for you.”
Robert H. Hopkins Jr., MD, Medical Director at NFID added: “Vaccination saves lives, and it’s on all of us to take action. For people with chronic conditions such as heart disease, lung disease or diabetes, getting an annual flu vaccine is just as essential as eating well, exercising and taking prescribed medications.” He noted that while vaccines may not always perfectly match circulating viruses each year they still reduce serious illness or hospitalization risks: “The primary goal of flu vaccination is to reduce your likelihood of severe influenza. Vaccines don’t offer 100 percent protection but not getting vaccinated leaves you with zero protection.” Dr. Hopkins emphasized it is not too late in December to get vaccinated if viruses are still circulating.
All four organizations provide educational resources online regarding influenza risks for people with chronic illnesses along with information about vaccinations.
