This week (December 2nd-6th, 2024) is National Influenza Vaccination Week. It is a time to spread awareness about, and celebrate, one of the most successful public health interventions.
As the CDC notes:
National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) is a critical opportunity to remind everyone 6 months and older that there’s still time to protect themselves and their loved ones from flu this flu season by getting their annual flu vaccine if they have not already. CDC data shows that flu vaccination coverage was lower last season, especially among certain higher risk groups, including children. When you get a flu vaccine, you reduce your risk of illness, and flu-related hospitalization if you do get sick. This week is meant to remind people that there is still time to benefit from the first and most important action in preventing flu illness and potentially serious flu complications: get a flu vaccine today.
While vaccine coverage was lower last season, there are also many things to celebrate regarding vaccination efforts. By the numbers:
- For the 2022–2023 flu season, the CDC estimated that flu vaccination prevented:
- 6 million flu-related illnesses in the U.S.
- 2.9 million medical visits
- 65,000 hospitalizations
- 3,700 deaths.
- Added to the estimated 64,000 lives saved in the 12 years prior, the flu vaccine is clearly a critical and effective component of healthcare.
- All vaccination efforts in sum have been estimated to save over 154 million lives in the past 50 years!
Here at UNMC ID, we recognize the importance and the success of the influenza vaccine. Influenza viruses are constantly shifting. Additionally, your protection from last years vaccine wanes over time. Getting a flu vaccine every year is the best way to reduce your risk from flu. Help prevent illness, hospitalization, and deaths- talk to your healthcare provider and get a flu vaccination today.