The flu vaccine prevented an estimated 6.6 million flu-associated illnesses during the 2012-2013 flu season, yet only 40 percent of Americans 6 months of age and older have gotten a flu shot as of early November 2013, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
While the number of people getting vaccinated goes up every year, public health officials say the percentage of people getting the flu shot isn’t near where it should be.
“We are happy that annual flu vaccination is becoming a habit for many people, but there is still much room for improvement,” said Anne Schuchat, MD, director of the CDC’s Center for Global Health. “Even when our flu vaccines are not as effective as we want them to be, they can reduce flu illnesses, doctors' visits, and flu-related hospitalizations and deaths.”
Of the people who have already gotten flu shots this year, 39 percent of them were adults and 41 percent were children. Experts say it’s especially important for children to be vaccinated—young children are more vulnerable to complications and older children are more likely to spread the virus.
“Especially in the 6-to -24-month-old range, the vaccine is so important because even perfectly healthy kids have a higher risk of hospitalization,” said Carol Baker, MD, chairperson of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases’ Childhood Influenza Immunization Coalition and a professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine. “In school-age kids, their illness is milder; but they’re more likely to not skip school and be around a lot of people. And the flu is contagious the day before you start feeling symptoms.”
Based on the current number of flu cases, Dr. Baker estimates this year’s flu season will peak in January, about a month earlier than usual. So far, the southern part of the country has seen the most flu activity, particularly in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas, according to the . There have been three pediatric deaths related to the flu. During last year’s flu season, there were 149 confirmed child deaths linked to the flu.
Young children are especially vulnerable to complications because their immune system has not yet been fully developed, and their lung capacity isn’t as large.
Public health officials stress the importance of pediatricians recommending the flu shot to parents. Easy access to the vaccine, such as at the doctor’s office, in drugstores, or at schools, also helps increase vaccination rates.
As to why the number of adults getting the flu shot isn’t higher, Baker said many people just don’t think they’re at risk.
“They’re gambling on the fact that they’ve never had the flu before, so they’re not going to worry about it now,” she said. “Some people also think getting the flu isn’t that bad. Sometimes I wish it would make you break out into green spots because then people would know how bad it is.”
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services launched its Healthy People 2020 initiative and created goals to improve the health of Americans over 10 years. Its goals for flu shot vaccination include:
- 80 percent vaccination of all age groups (as compared to 45 percent in 2012-2013 flu season)
- 80 percent vaccination for pregnant women (47 percent in 2012-2013 season)
- 90 percent of healthcare personnel (63 percent by November 2012)
“Our message is the same as it’s been for years,” Baker said. “The best tool to prevent the flu is getting the vaccine. It’s not perfect, but it’s the most effective thing we have.”