Media Advisory

CDC Urges People with Chronic Medical Conditions to Get Flu Vaccine

People with Asthma, Diabetes and Heart Disease at Higher Risk of Flu Complications

What

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has designated Tuesday, December 7th, of National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) to spotlight the risks flu poses for individuals with certain chronic medical conditions and encourage flu vaccination.

Diabetes (type 1 or 2), asthma (even well-controlled), and heart disease are among the most common health conditions that place people at higher risk for serious flu complications like hospitalization, pneumonia and even death. Vaccination of high risk persons and their close contacts is especially important to reduce their risk of severe flu illness.

When

Tuesday, December 7, 2010 – Chronic Conditions Vaccination Day

Why

People with certain chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes (type 1 and 2), neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions, heart disease and pregnancy accounted for the majority of hospitalizations and deaths from the H1N1 virus that caused so much illness last flu season.

Background

Influenza (the flu) is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. The first and most important step in protecting against the flu is to get a flu vaccine each season, especially before the traditional winter peak in flu activity. For a complete listing of NIVW activities—and details on the seasonal flu—visit www.flu.gov/getvaccinated.

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES