FACES OF INFLUENZA (R) - American Lung Association's Influenza Prevention Program in collaboration with sanofi pasteur

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This web site addresses seasonal influenza

For more information regarding 2009 H1N1 flu, please visit: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

About Flu Vaccines

Influenza Immunization

The best way to reduce the effects of influenza is through annual vaccination. Influenza vaccines are safe and effective. Although mild side effects from flu shots are possible, such as fever, aches, and redness, soreness or swelling where the shot was given, a person cannot get the flu from the vaccine.1

Different strains of influenza often circulate each year. This is why influenza vaccine is produced every year to match these specific strains and help stop their ability to cause infection. Since the viruses that circulate often change each season, it is important to get your flu shot each season to have the best protection.

The American Lung Association urges you and your loved ones to get vaccinated every influenza season. Influenza vaccination typically begins in the fall and can continue through the spring. In many seasons, influenza virus activity doesn't peak until February or March, so vaccination throughout the entire season is beneficial and recommended.1

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends an annual influenza vaccination for everyone 6 months of age and older, however influenza immunization rates in the highest-risk groups fall far short of public health goals every year.1,2 Groups at higher risk of influenza infection or complications include:

  • People 50 years of age and older
  • Children 6 months-18 years of age
  • Pregnant women
  • People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, diabetes, and others
  • Residents of long-term care facilities and nursing homes

Additionally, those who come into close contact with someone at high risk should get vaccinated not only to help protect themselves against influenza, but also to help avoid spreading the disease to more vulnerable populations. They include:

  • Household contacts and caregivers of anyone in a high-risk group, including parents, siblings, grandparents, babysitters, and day care providers
  • Health-care personnel

Note: Children under 9 years of age may need 2 doses approximately 1 month apart, depending on their influenza vaccine history.1

Some people should not get the influenza vaccine or should first talk with their health-care provider. These include:1

  • People with severe allergies to eggs
  • People who have had a severe allergic reaction to a past influenza vaccination
  • Children younger than 6 months of age
Tell Someone

Flu Fact

  • Influenza can be deadly

    On average, about 36,000 die from influenza-related complications each year.1

  • The flu can lead to trips to the hospital

    On average, more than 226,000 Americans are hospitalized due to influenza and its related complications each year, approximately 20,000 of which are children younger than 5 years of age.4,5

  • Influenza can strike anyone

    On average, 1 out of 5 Americans suffer from influenza each year.7,8

  • Protect yourself – get a flu shot

    Everyone 6 months of age and older is recommended for an annual flu shot.1,2

  • You can’t get the flu from the flu shot

    The flu shot does not contain any of the live virus, so it is impossible to get the flu from the vaccine.

Copyright © 2010 American Lung Association®

AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION®

The mission of the American Lung Association is to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease.