Survey Finds Older Americans Skipping Flu Vaccinations (NAPSA)—A new survey by AARPreveals that only half of people ages 50-plus received a flu vaccination last year, despite recommendations that people 50 and older be vaccinated against the virus that kills 36,000 people annually. Now AARP and the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) are working together to encourage older Americans to get vaccinated this winter, before the virus reaches its peak. Experts from both organiza- tions say influenza vaccination is important, not only to protect the person being vaccinated, but also to protect those around them. The survey found that one in four people 50-plus is caring for a child, grandchild or older loved one. “An annual flu vaccination builds a cocoon of protection around the person being vaccinated,” said AARP board member Dr. Byron Thames. “That helps everyoneand especially those they care for.” 200,000 Hospitalizations Influenza is a powerful virus that results in more than 200,000 hospitalizations each year in the United States. But AARP and NFID say that vaccine shortages in recent years have gotten people out of the habit of getting an annual vaccination. This year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports having record supplies of vaccine, allowing anyone at risk for complications from the flu to get immunized. NFID experts stress that seeking vaccination throughout the entire influenza season—not just EIGIE = Cay Cpe ex LZ is r Z = Ee e At s 4 t ER “eA: hi _ i fe 4 VE one. However, the CDC recom- mendsall people 50 and over get a flu vaccination. Many respondents also said they did not get vaccinated because of concerns over the safety of the flu vaccine, but experts from both AARP and NFID J = we An annual flu vaccination builds a cocoon of protection around the person being vaccinated. in October and November—is the best way to protect against the virus, since influenza peaks in late winter. Getting vaccinated well into the New Year will help older Americans stay healthy this winter. “Yearly vaccination is key to preventing influenza, so it should begin as soon as vaccines are available and continue throughout the influenza season—into January and February,” said William Schaffner, M.D., Vice President, NFID, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the public and health care professionals about infectious diseases. “This simple but critical step can help protect adults 50 and over as well as their loved ones from influenza, which can be seriousillness at anyage.” Common Misconceptions AARP said common misconceptions about the flu vaccine kept many people from getting their vaccination. Of those who did not receive a vaccination in 2006, 38 percent thought they did not need stress that the vaccine is safe and effective. “It’s an urban myth that you can get the flu from the vaccine,” Schaffner said. “Only through continued education can we dispel these and other misconceptions. Influenza vaccination is safe and generally well tolerated, does not cause the flu, and is the most effective protection against this highly contagious disease.” Vaccinations In ManySettings AARPsays flu immunization is also an important part of the organization’s effort to promote wellness and prevention. “Preventive measures like the flu vaccine not only help to lower our health care costs by preventing sickness, but can help people live longer and feel better,” Thames said. Influenza vaccination is offered in a variety of settings, including doctor’s offices, health departments andclinics, as well as pharmacies. In addition, many employers offer influenza vaccination at the workplace to keep their employees healthy and reduce missed workdays. AARP and NFIDare urging all Americans 50 and over to speak to their health care providers about influenza and the benefits of vaccination for the entire family. Additional information about influenza and vaccination is available on www.nfid.org and www.AARPorg.
