The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urges Americans to get their flu shot ahead of the expected peak season.
Influenza levels have been historically low during the COVID-19 pandemic, but Australia recently experienced a particularly nasty flu season that sparked fear around the world.
CDC director Dr. Rochelle Wallenski on Tuesday urged Americans to get vaccinated by the end of this month.
“Over the past two years, there is concern about declining flu vaccination coverage, especially among some groups of people most at risk of developing severe flu illness,” she noted.
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Wallenski said people who were vaccinated were 35% less likely to get the flu than those who were not.
In particular, pregnant women and children, who are at higher risk of serious complications from influenza, have seen significant reductions in premiums over the past two seasons.
In a release from the National Infectious Diseases Foundation (NFID), which hosted the conference, Wallenski said nearly half of adults in the United States have received the flu vaccine.
According to NFID data, only 49% of US adults plan to be vaccinated during the 2022-2023 season.
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Health experts and the CDC recommend that everyone 6 months and older get the latest quadrivalent flu shot, with a few exceptions.
Seniors should seek out a special ultra-strength type, and there are three types that are preferentially recommended for those 65 and older.
These include Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent Vaccine, Flublok Quadrivalent Recombinant Influenza Vaccine and Fluad Quadrivalent Adjuvant Influenza Vaccine.
Fluad Adjuvanted, unlike others, has a regular dosage but contains special ingredients that help boost people’s immune response.
Most vaccinations are available at pharmacies, but older people can ask their doctor what type of vaccine they have.
If a location exceeds doses intended for the elderly, the CDC says it’s better to get a standard flu shot than skip it.
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Vaccine makers expect to supply the country with 173.5 million to 183.5 million doses of flu vaccine for the 2022-2023 season.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.