American Lung Association urges older adults to get the flu shot

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American Lung Association urges older adults to get the flu shot

By Sandra Levy - 10/17/2018
The American Lung Association, in collaboration with Sanofi Pasteur, is urging adults age 50 years old and older to get their annual flu shot through its new MyShot campaign.

The campaign features the personal stories of adults in their 50s, 60s and 70s telling why they prioritize getting a flu shot.

MyShot stories illustrate the potential impact of flu on this age group, including severe illness, worsening of chronic health conditions, hospitalization, and leading to missed work days.

The campaign reinforces the need for adults age 50 years old and older to talk with their healthcare providers about flu shot options that may be right for them.

MyShot is directed at adults age 50 years old and older, because by the time adults turn 50 they are more likely to have one or more chronic health conditions, such as lung disease, heart disease or diabetes, according to the American Lung Association.

When combined with the flu, these conditions can become worse and lead to serious illness. Vaccination is the best way to help protect against the flu.

Vaccination rates for those age 50 years old and older have stagnated, hovering around 45% for adults between the ages of 50-to-64 years old and 65% for adults age 65 years old and older, according to the American Lung Association.

“Even though I have chronic asthma, I never thought I needed a flu shot. I had never gotten the flu before and never worried about it. Then, last season, I got the flu twice. It made my asthma worse and stopped me in my tracks,” JoJo O’Neal, a 53-year-old radio host said in a statement. “Not only did I put my own health at risk, but I passed the flu to my sister who has a chronic lung disease and she passed it on to her daughter. I understand now that my choice not to get vaccinated was selfish. I’m making my annual flu shot a priority and, through MyShot, I’m encouraging everyone else to do the same.”

Flu can lead to severe, sometimes life-threatening illness and other health problems, such as pneumonia, exacerbation of heart disease — including increased risk of heart attack or stroke — and even death. While anyone can get the flu, certain people are at increased risk of flu and flu-related complications, including adults age 50 years old and older.

There are several vaccine options available, including some specifically designed for older adults. Health officials recommend everyone ages 6 months old and older, with rare exception, get their annual flu shot.

“If you end up getting the flu, being vaccinated may help make your symptoms milder and help you avoid more serious consequences,” American Lung Association volunteer medical spokesperson MeiLan Han said in a statement. “Getting the flu can cause serious illness with lasting impact for some people, including longer-term disability and increased risk for other serious health events like heart attack or stroke. I recommend vaccination to all of my eligible patients, and hope through this campaign to educate others on how to help protect themselves.”

By visiting, people age 50 years old and older and their caregivers can access resources that explain the need to take the flu seriously and get vaccinated every year. Resources include information about the potential dangers of flu, how the flu can have direct and indirect effects on chronic conditions, and the need to prioritize vaccination. There also is a guide to talk with healthcare providers about which vaccine options may be right for adults age 50 years old and older.