American Lung Association Calls for Annual Flu Vaccination as Season Approaches

As flu season approaches, the American Lung Association is urging everyone to prioritize annual flu vaccinations to help prevent severe illness. Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory infection that impacts millions of Americans each year, posing significant health risks, especially for individuals with higher chances of severe complications.

Importance of Vaccination

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the 2023-2024 flu season saw an estimated 35 to 65 million cases of influenza, leading to as many as 830,000 hospitalizations and up to 72,000 deaths. The flu season typically peaks between December and March, making September and October the ideal months for everyone aged six months and older to receive their flu shots. Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect against influenza and its severe complications, particularly for those with chronic health conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

“Having administered hundreds of millions of flu vaccines over the past 50 years, the flu shot is a critical component of public health,” said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. “Getting vaccinated not only protects you but also helps reduce the spread of the flu within your community and alleviates the burden on our healthcare system.”

At-Risk Populations

While anyone can contract the flu, certain groups are at a higher risk of severe illness and complications that can lead to hospitalization or death. High-risk individuals include:

• Adults aged 65 and older
• Pregnant individuals
• People with chronic conditions, including chronic lung diseases like asthma and COPD, heart disease, and diabetes

Moreover, specific racial and ethnic minority communities face a greater risk of severe flu outcomes. The 2023-2024 flu season statistics indicated that hospitalization rates for influenza were 129% higher among Black individuals and 32% higher among Latino individuals compared to white individuals.

Recent data revealed that 94.3% of adults and 71% of children hospitalized with the flu had at least one underlying medical condition, with chronic lung disease accounting for 35% of adult flu-related hospitalizations. Notably, flu vaccination rates for Black adults were 7% lower than for white adults, highlighting a significant disparity that requires urgent attention. Among Medicare Fee-For-Service beneficiaries aged 65 or older, vaccination rates were 38% for Black individuals compared to 52% for white individuals.

Educational Campaigns

To combat these disparities, the American Lung Association has launched a flu prevention campaign in partnership with CSL Seqirus, focusing on educating adults, particularly those at increased risk, about the dangers of influenza and protective measures. The campaign highlights that flu vaccines can be administered safely alongside other vaccinations, including the updated 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine. The American Lung Association encourages adults to discuss vaccination options with their healthcare providers.

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