It’s not too late for family members of all generations to get vaccinated againstinfluenza (NAPSA)—Many Americans associate influenza with thefall, but you maybe surprised to learn that during manyflu seasons, influenza activity doesn’t peak until winter or early spring. In fact, virus activity peaked in Feb- ruary or later in approximately half of the past 35 flu seasons. That is why the American Lung Association is spreading the message about the importance of influenza vaccination throughout the winter months and beyond as part of its Faces of Influenza campaign. Everyone 6 months of age and older is recommended for annual immunization, which is safe and effective and the best wayto help prevent influenza. With vaccination recommended and beneficial into the winter months, make it your New Year’s resolution to get immunized—it’s not too late, and you'll be helping to protect your health and those around you in one simple and achievable step. After being immunized, it takes about two weeksfor the body to develop a protective response to the flu vaccine. Parents—don’t forget that children 6 months through 8 years of age receiving a flu shot for the first time need two doses approximately one monthapart for optimal protection. “We areall ‘faces’ of influenza and are recommended by public health officials to get vaccinated this and every year,” said Norman H. Edelman, M.D., chief medical officer of the American Lung Association. “It’s not too late for family membersofall generations to help protect themselves from this potentially deadly disease through immunization.” About Influenza Influenza is a serious respira- Faces of Influenza celebrity spokesperson Kristi Yamaguchi makesinfluenza vaccination a priority every year. tory illness that kills thousands annually in the U.S. and hospitalizes even more. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccination for everyone 6 months of age and older. Groups at higher risk of developing influenza-related complications include: adults 50 years of age and older; children 6 monthsto 18 years of age; pregnant women; anyone with chronic health conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease and dia- betes; and residents of long-term care facilities. The CDC also recommends a yearly vaccination for those who come into close contact with high-risk groups, such as household contacts, caregivers and health care providers. For more information about the importance of influenza vaccination into the winter months and early spring, visit www.faces ofinfluenza.org. Faces of Influenza is an educational initiative from the Ameri- can Lung Association, made possible through a collaboration with Sanofi Pasteur.
