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This video looks at the importance of people in high
risk groups getting a flu shot. (free Apple Quicktime
required to view)
CDC Urges Those at Highest Risk to Get a Flu Shot Now
October 2002 (Newstream) -- The Centers for Disease Control
& Prevention (CDC) has launched a nationwide media campaign
"Fight The Flu" urging those at highest risk --
people 65 and older, the chronically ill, and health care
workers -- to get a flu shot now.
The flu is highly contagious and the influenza vaccine
can help prevent serious and potentially deadly complications.
In fact, more people die from complications like pneumonia
from the flu than from any other vaccine preventable disease,
says CDC Director Julie L.Gerberding, M.D., M.P.H. The CDC
also reports that more than 20,000 people in the United
States die and another 114,000 are hospitalized each year
due to serious complications from the flu.
"Most of those people who die from influenza are
the elderly," Dr. Gerberding said. "While anyone
can get the flu, those in these higher risk groups face
a greater chance of complications, such as pneumonia, hospitalization,
and even death."
Despite a widely held perception, the influenza vaccine
does not give people the flu. The influenza vaccine is made
from killed influenza viruses. These viruses cannot give
you the flu.
"The flu shot is effective," says Dr. Gerberding.
"It prevents the flu. It will not give you the flu."
"Fight the Flu," features a three-month media
campaign targeting different high-risk groups. The first
wave of the campaign starts in October. This segment of
the campaign encourages immediate vaccinations of people
65 and older, those with chronic illnesses such as heart
disease, lung disease, diabetes and asthma, health care
workers and household contacts of those at high risk. The
second segment begins in November and encourages vaccination
of healthy people 50-64 years old and anyone who wants to
protect themselves from the flu. December's message, "It's
Not Too Late To Vaccinate," targets people not in a
high-risk group reminding them it is still not too late
to get a flu shot.
For more information, ask your doctor or call the CDC
at 1-800-232-2522.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protects
people's health and safety by preventing and controlling
diseases and injuries; enhances health decisions by providing
credible information on critical health issues; and promotes
healthy living through strong partnerships with local, national,
and international organizations. For more information, please
visit www.cdc.gov/nip/flu
or call 1-800-232-2522.
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Produced for the Centers for Disease Control
Contact:
Xina Eiland, Communications Coordinator
HMA Associates
202-342-0676
xeiland@hmaassociates.com
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