The first full week of December 2018 is National Influenza Vaccination Week, as designated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to the CDC, “National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) is a national awareness week focused on highlighting the importance of influenza vaccination.” The CDC’s website provides several resources for health care providers, educators, parents and other individuals interested in spreading the word; and, as always, a wealth of information about the annual flu shot is available through the CDC’s website as well.
The CDC has recognized National Influenza Vaccination Week each year since 2005, with the goal of “highlight[ing] the importance of continuing flu vaccination through the holiday season and beyond.” While the flu shot’s effectiveness has waned in recent years, due to the risks involved in contracting influenza, the CDC still recommends the flu vaccine for most adults and children six months of age and older.
Key Messages for National Influenza Vaccination Week
As an awareness campaign, much of the CDC’s literature for National Influenza Vaccination Week focuses on providing basic education about the risks of influenza and the benefits of immunization. For example, some of the key messages from NIVW 2017 (the CDC’s website has not yet been fully updated for 2018) include:
- “The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.”
- “People of every age, including people in good health, are at risk of flu.”
- “Influenza can cause illness and sometimes severe disease in persons of any age.”
- “Flu causes millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands or tens of thousands of deaths each year in the United States.”
- “Although a majority of hospitalizations and deaths occur in people 65 years and older, even healthy young children and younger adults can have severe disease or even die from influenza.”
For these reasons (among others), anyone who has questions or concerns about the risk factors, efficacy or benefits associated with the annual flu shot should consult their physician before deciding not to get vaccinated.
Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine Receives Approval for 2018-2019 Flu Season
Due to the risk of certain injuries resulting from flu vaccinations, including Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) and shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA), some people may prefer to get the nasal spray flu vaccine rather than receiving an intramuscular (IM) injection. But, while the CDC has re-approved use of the nasal spray flu vaccine for the 2018-2019 flu season, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is still recommending vaccination by injection whenever possible.
Law Offices of Leah V. Durant & Associates | Nationwide Legal Representation for Flu Shot Injury Claims
For individuals who are diagnosed with vaccination injuries (including GBS and SIRVA) following flu shot injections, financial compensation may be available through the federal National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). If you or a loved one has been injured and you would like more information, you can call (202) 775-9200 or contact our vaccine injury lawyer online for a free, no-obligation consultation.