Flu shot vaccines are being heavily promoted this week to the public by the CDC (Centers For Disease Control). The CDC has dedicated this week as the National Influenza Vaccination Week. It is a way to promote and highlight the importance of everyone getting their flu shots now before winter arrives. The 2017 flu was declared as high severity by the CDC, and 2018 may bring more of the same.
The CDC started the National Influenza Vaccination Week awareness campaign back in 2005 to stress the importance of getting vaccinated.
Flu Shot: Important Statistics
Flu season is now under way but it’s still not too late to get your shot, says the CDC. The importance of getting vaccinated against the flu can not be stressed enough. Here are the devastating 2017 statistics:
- 49 million flu illnesses – more than the combined populations of Texas and Florida
- 960,000 flu hospitalizations – more than the number of staffed hospital beds in the United States
- 79,000 deaths – more than the average number of people who attend the Super Bowl each year
People at high risk of serious flu complications include the aged, young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses.
On the other hand, the benefits of getting a flu shot are many. It may prevent you from getting the flu, and mitigate the severity if you do get it. The positive statistics for those getting vaccinated are impressive. For example, during the 2016-2017 flu season, vaccinations prevented:
- 5.3 million flu illnesses – about the population of the Atlanta metropolitan area
- 2.6 million flu medical visits – more than the number of students in all K-12 schools in Florida
- 85,000 flu hospitalizations – more than the number of hospital beds in California and Oregon
The flu season typically runs from late October through the end of March. Therefore, if you have not yet gotten your shot yet, now is the time to see your doctor and get vaccinated.