The American Heart Association®, American Lung Association®, American Diabetes Association® (ADA), and National Foundation for Infectious Diseases are encouraging everyone aged 6 months and up to receive an annual flu vaccination in honor of National Influenza Vaccination Week (December 1–6).
The flu season this year comes after a very challenging one. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declared the 2024–2025 flu season to be a high severity season for all age groups, with the highest hospitalization rate since the 2010–2011 season. According to data from the previous flu season, at least one underlying medical condition was present in 53.5% of children and adolescents and 94.1% of adults who were hospitalized with the flu. This emphasizes the necessity of yearly flu vaccinations for those who are more susceptible to serious complications, such as:
- Adults aged 65 years and older;
- Pregnant individuals; and
- Individuals with chronic health conditions, including asthma, COPD, heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease.
“While the flu can be risky for anyone, people with diabetes are at higher risk for developing serious complications from the flu. The ADA recommends that everyone eligible living with diabetes get a flu vaccine. Getting vaccinated can help reduce the risk of getting the flu and related complications—for both you and your loved ones,” stated Rita Kalyani, MD, MHS, chief scientific and medical officer at the ADA.
“Flu vaccination is more than personal protection—it’s protecting loved ones and a commitment to community health. Every flu shot helps prevent severe illness, hospitalizations, and even death, especially among older adults and those with chronic conditions. Getting your flu vaccine is a simple step that delivers a powerful impact: safeguarding your health and the health of those around you,” stated Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., M.P.H., FAHA, Chief Medical Officer for Prevention, American Heart Association.
“Influenza is a respiratory illness, so people with lung diseases like asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, and other lung diseases are at a significantly higher risk for severe illness, complications, and hospitalization. The flu can also worsen existing chronic lung disease symptoms. In addition to people living with lung disease, their family members should also get vaccinated to help protect their loved ones,” stated Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. “This holiday season, give yourself, your family, and your community a gift of health by getting your annual flu shot, and talk to your healthcare provider about other critical respiratory virus vaccinations that are recommended for you.”
“Vaccination saves lives, and it’s on all of us to take action,” said NFID Medical Director Robert H. Hopkins Jr., MD. “For people with chronic conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes, getting an annual flu vaccine is just as essential as eating well, exercising, and taking prescribed medications.” Even in years when the flu vaccine is not a perfect match, Dr. Hopkins said, it still helps prevent serious illness and hospitalizations. “The primary goal of flu vaccination is to reduce your likelihood of severe influenza. Vaccines don’t offer 100 percent protection, but not getting vaccinated leaves you with zero protection,” he stated. December is not too late to get vaccinated. “As long as flu viruses are circulating, getting a flu vaccine can help protect you and those around you from serious illness—protection that matters even more during the busy holiday season.” For anyone with questions about flu vaccines, Hopkins encourages talking with a trusted healthcare professional.
On their websites, the American Heart Association, American Lung Association, American Diabetes Association, and National Foundation for Infectious Diseases provide educational materials regarding the prevalence of the flu and the significance of vaccination for individuals with long-term medical conditions.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.
