Protection for the 'Faces of Influenza'

Environmental Health and Safety offers free flu shots while working to increase awareness of a nationwide educational campaign

The influenza disease is more than just a common cold; it is a serious respiratory illness. Nationwide, influenza and its complications cause an average of 36,000 deaths and approximately 226,000 hospitalizations each year.

There are more than 220 million "faces" of influenza — people recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to receive the influenza vaccine annually. That's more than two out of every three people in the United States. However, despite this recommendation, influenza immunization rates fall far short of where they should be every year.

To help prevent influenza from spreading and to encourage influenza immunization, the Environmental Health & Safety Office has partnered with the American Lung Association to bring Faces of Influenza, a national educational campaign, to the King County area. This multi-year public-awareness initiative will help Americans recognize that annual influenza immunization offers safe and effective protection for loved ones who may be at increased risk of influenza complications.

Who are these faces of influenza? They are pregnant women, children 6–59 months old, adults age 50 and older and children with chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease and diabetes, that put them at increased risk of complications from influenza. They are health-care workers, and people in household contact with high-risk individuals.

If you are among the faces of influenza, take advantage of the availability of flu shots, free of charge to Center staff, beginning in November. For upcoming flu-clinic schedules, check the EH&S Web site at http://centernet.fhcrc.org/CN/depts/ehs/occupational_health.

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