National Influenza Vaccination Week, which runs from December 4-8, is the perfect time to get a flu shot. This week highlights the importance of flu vaccines which are crucial in reducing the risk of illness, hospitalization, and even death.
The impact of influenza is substantial, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimating 9 million illnesses, 4 million medical visits, 10,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths during the 2021-2022 season.
Particularly vulnerable are people aged 65 and older, and those with chronic conditions. These individuals should prioritize staying current with their vaccines.
Vaccination disparities also persist, notably among Black, Hispanic, and American Indian and Alaska Native adults. These communities experienced less than 43 percent flu vaccine coverage during the 2021-2022 season, contributing to increased hospitalization rates, especially among Black adults, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health (CMS OMH). Rural communities face challenges as well, as flu vaccination rates among Medicare Advantage or Medicare Fee-For-Service recipients lag behind the national average.
During National Influenza Vaccination Week, we encourage you to access free resources to help spread the word about the importance of getting vaccinated.
Resources