2008 Flu News: What To Expect

EAST HARTFORD — The American Lung Association of Connecticut (ALAC) is urging everyone to mark their calendars now to get a flu shot this fall. To underscore the importance of getting a flu shot, ALAC is rolling out its “Give the Flu a Shot” campaign, an adult immunization campaign to protect all Connecticut residents.

The message of “Give the Flu a Shot” is that everyone should get a flu shot in order to protect themselves and their families.

“Particularly since last year’s flu vaccine did not effectively protect many from getting the flu, we are concerned that the public may not get flu shots this year, thinking the shots are not effective,” said David Hill, MD, and president of the ALAC board. “In fact, the US Food and Drug Administration has approved three new flu strains for this year, as opposed to one or two in previous years.”

The unprecedented expansion of the strains comes after the 2007-08 flu season, in which there was widespread flu in virtually every state. Last year’s flu vaccine did not match two of the three flu strains that circulated the United States.

An estimated five to 20 percent of the US population suffers from the flu each year. More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications and about 36,000 people die from the disease.

Those most at risk include the elderly, children over age 6 months, and those with chronic diseases.

To assist in sending this important public health message, the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation recently awarded the ALAC a $150,000 two-year grant, a portion of which is funding an adult immunization display that explains the need for flu and pneumonia shots, particularly for seniors. The new display is part of ALAC’s Breath Express, a 34-foot van that contains interactive exhibits about the importance of healthy lungs.

“Increasing the number of adults who get immunized against flu and pneumonia is an important step to improving the health of our community,” said Peter Bowers, MD, medical director, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. “The American Lung Association’s effort is a great way to achieve that goal.”

Lieutenant Governor Michael Fedele, 2008 flu campaign spokesperson, said that last year in Connecticut flu was widespread, with nearly 6,000 reported cases.

“Even in a year when the flu vaccine does not effectively match the flu virus, getting a flu shot still provides an important level of protection,” he said.

For more information about the upcoming flu season, call the American Lung Association of Connecticut at 800-LUNG USA or visit lungct.org..