Media Advisory

National Influenza Vaccination Week to Focus on Young Adults

CDC uses social media to spread message that even healthy young adults can get flu

What

Young adults were hit particularly hard by the H1N1 flu virus that caused so much illness last flu season. This virus is expected to continue circulating during the 2010-2011 flu season, along with other flu viruses. Once infected themselves, young adults may spread flu to friends and family who are at high risk of flu complications, such as grandparents, younger siblings, or those with certain medical conditions like asthma or diabetes. Flu vaccination is important for their health and for the health of those around them.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has designated December 10 of National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) to focus on young adults ages 19-24. To engage young adults, this year's NIVW activities include outreach through various forms of social media, including an online public service announcement competition with Brickfish (http://www.brickfish.com/Lifestyles/TheFluEndsWithU).

When

Friday, December 10, 2010 – Young Adults Vaccination Day

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