USA Today
December 8, 2010
http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/forum/2010-12-09-column09_ST1_N.htm
One of the best gifts you can give your family and friends during the holiday season is getting your flu shot. Every year, flu kills thousands of Americans and sends about 200,000 more to the hospital. Getting vaccinated is a safe, effective way to keep yourself healthy. And because we often get flu from the people around us, getting vaccinated is also the best way to protect your loved ones.
This year for the first time ever, the nation's top flu scientists have said that every American 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine. In past flu seasons, experts have recommended the vaccine for children, people at high risk for complications and those around them. But the H1N1 pandemic demonstrated that even healthy young adults can become severely ill from flu. So this winter, the guidance for you and your family is clear: Everyone needs to get vaccinated.
Off to good start
According to our latest data, one-third of Americans have already gotten their flu vaccines as of last month. That's a good start, but it means far too many people still have not. That's especially true in Hispanic and African-American communities, where vaccination rates are lagging. The concern is that people in these communities are more likely to suffer from chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease that can make flu more harmful.
The good news is we have plenty of flu vaccine, and it has never been more affordable. Thanks to the new health care law, many Americans can now get their flu shot or nasal spray without additional cost. Over the years, too many Americans have gone without key preventive care, such as a mammogram or a flu shot, because they couldn't afford it. So the new law requires that all new health plans provide these recommended screenings and vaccinations at no additional cost. And beginning in January, virtually all Medicare beneficiaries will be able to get their flu vaccines with no co-pay, too.
Increased convenience
At the same time, getting vaccinated is more convenient. Most Americans get their flu vaccines at their doctor's office. But increasingly, you have other options, whether it's a supermarket, a health center, or neighborhood pharmacy. To find the closest vaccination sites, visit flu.gov. Just type in your ZIP code, and you'll get a list with the locations and hours of local vaccine sites.
You should also check with your employer and especially with your children's schools to see whether they offer the flu vaccine. Last year, as many as 40 states had school-based vaccination programs. Altogether, one in three children who were vaccinated last year was vaccinated at school, where parents don't have to worry about waiting in line or leaving work for a doctor's appointment.
Of course, we all can and should take other steps to prevent the spread of flu. It's important to wash your hands and cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow. It's also important to stay home from work or school if you get sick so that you don't infect your co-workers or classmates. Taking these precautions is especially important during the holiday season, when so many Americans are traveling and the risk of catching flu is heightened.
But when it comes to staying safe and healthy this winter, the most important step you can take is getting vaccinated. This holiday season, show your colleagues, neighbors, friends, spouses, parents and children you really care. Get your vaccine, and do your part to promote better health this flu season.