What are the benefits of getting the flu vaccine?

Why get vaccinated against the flu?

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Flu vaccination is the best defense against the flu and its potentially serious complications. Not only does it protect you, but it also protects your loved ones and the most vulnerable in your community. Here are the key benefits backed by scientific studies.

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1. Prevents influenza illnesses and doctor's visits

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• During the 2019-2020 flu seasonvaccination prevented:some text
  • 7.5 million influenza illnesses
  • 3.7 million flu-related visits to physicians
  • 105,000 hospitalizations
  • 6,300 deaths
    
• The flu vaccine reduces the risk of seeing a doctor for flu by 40-60% when the vaccine strains match circulating flu viruses.

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2. Reduces the severity of the disease

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Even if you get the flu after vaccination, the severity of the illness can be significantly reduced:

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• A 2021 study found that vaccinated adults had:some text
  • 26% lower risk of ICU admission.
  • 31% lower risk of flu-related death.
• A 2018 study showed that vaccinated adults in the ICU spent 4 fewer days in the hospital on average.

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3. Reduces the risk of hospitalization

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Flu vaccination prevents tens of thousands of hospitalizations each year:

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• During the 2019-2020 flu season, vaccination prevented 105,000 hospitalizations.
• Among children, vaccination reduced the risk of PICU admission by 74% (2010-2012).
• Among older adults, influenza vaccines reduced the risk of hospitalization by 40% (2009-2016).

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4. Protects people with chronic diseases

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Flu vaccination is crucial for people with chronic diseases:

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• It is associated with lower rates of cardiac events in people with heart disease.
• Reduces hospitalization due to worsening of chronic lung diseases such as COPD.
• Decreases hospitalizations in people with diabetes or chronic lung disease.

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5. Protects pregnant women and newborns

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• Vaccination reduces the risk of influenza-related acute respiratory infections in pregnant women by 50% .
• Reduces the risk of flu-related hospitalization during pregnancy by 40% (2010-2016).
• It offers protection to newborns for several months after birth, during a period when they are too young to be vaccinated.
  

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6. Save children's lives

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• A 2017 study showed that flu vaccination significantly reduces the risk of flu-related deaths in children.

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7. Protect your community

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By getting vaccinated, you help protect the vulnerable people around you, such as:

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• Infants and young children.
• Older adults.
• People with chronic diseases.

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Despite benefits, vaccination rates remain low

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Only about 50% of Americans are vaccinated annually against the flu, leaving millions vulnerable to illness, hospitalization and death. Increasing vaccination coverage could protect more people and save lives.

Take the first step today: schedule your flu shot at Las Mercedes Medical Centers and protect yourself and your community.

‍Source: CDC.gov