American Lung Association urges families to get immunized against seasonal influenza

The American Lung Association is intensifying its seasonal influenza public education initiative to urge families to get vaccinated as soon as possible. The Faces of Influenza campaign aims to ensure Americans get immunized against seasonal influenza, which each year causes an estimated 36,000 deaths and over 226,000 hospitalizations from the virus and its related complications.

The Faces of Influenza campaign, which includes expanded awareness initiatives nationally and in many major cities, supports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) call for Americans to get vaccinated against seasonal influenza this and every year.

Seasonal influenza is an annual threat, and more than 80 percent of the U.S. population is recommended to receive the vaccine. In an average year, up to one in five Americans may be infected with the virus, which can cause missed days at school or the office, hospitalizations -- and even death.

"Seasonal influenza remains a serious concern, even with the presence of the 2009 H1N1 virus," said Norman Edelman, MD, Chief Medical Officer of the American Lung Association. "Vaccination against seasonal influenza is the best protection against this annual disease. Speak with your doctor about getting you and your family vaccinated to help prevent the spread of the virus."

The CDC recommends seasonal influenza vaccination for more than 250 million Americans. It is especially important for those in high-risk groups and their close contacts to get immunized against seasonal influenza as soon as vaccine is available to avoid serious complications from infection. Immunization throughout the full season is beneficial, as seasonal influenza virus activity typically peaks in February or March.

The American Lung Association's Faces of Influenza educational initiative has expanded this year to include regional activities in 13 communities: Dallas/Ft. Worth, Denver, Indianapolis and Miami. Other cities involved are Cleveland, Detroit, Houston, Kansas City, Mo.; Minneapolis/St. Paul, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Sacramento, Calif.; and Tampa/St. Petersburg, Fla.

The Faces of Influenza educational initiative also features a comprehensive speakers' campaign that involves dozens of spokespersons across the country, sharing their personal stories about the dangers seasonal influenza placed on their families.

Kristi Yamaguchi, mother, Olympic Gold Medalist and winner of "Dancing with the Stars," serves as the national spokesperson for the Faces of Influenza program. As a mother of two young girls, Kristi's first priority is the health of her family. She makes sure everyone in her family is immunized annually against influenza.

"Through the Faces of Influenza program, I've worked with families who have lost loved ones to the disease and its complications. Their tragic experiences are a reminder that seasonal influenza is serious," Kristi said.

"I take my daughters to get vaccinated every year because it's the best protection against influenza," Kristi said. "I also ask everyone in contact with them to make sure they are vaccinated as well, to help create a cocoon of protection."

With more than four out of five Americans recommended for annual vaccination, chances are we all know someone who should get vaccinated against seasonal influenza this and every year. The American Lung Association encourages everyone to visit www.facesofinfluenza.org to learn more about influenza, and the groups recommended for annual vaccination against this seasonal disease.