Why Get the Flu Vaccine? There Are Thousands of Reasons

(Submitted by Dr. Gary A. Zeitlin, Infectious Disease at White Plains Hospital)
You hear it every year at about this time: Don’t forget to get your flu shot. But there is a very good reason for that: simply put, not enough people are getting vaccinated.

Of course, 100% can be difficult to achieve in almost anything, but the numbers are especially concerning when it comes to fighting influenza. According to the latest available CDC data, in the 2022–23 flu season, 57.4% of children 6 months through 17 years were vaccinated, and only about 47% of adults over 18 were vaccinated. This is simply not enough.

Consider that, for the 2024 flu season in the U.S., the CDC estimates:

• 34 million to 75 million flu illnesses
• 15 million to 33 million flu-related medical visits
• 380,000 to 900,000 flu-related hospitalizations
• 17,000 to 100,000 flu-related deaths

According to the American Medical Association, some of the commonly heard reasons for not getting an annual flu shot include “I’m healthy” or “I got it last year.” The counterarguments here should be obvious: you may not stay healthy if you’re exposed to the virus, and since influenza is constantly mutating, last year’s vaccination will not be as effective as this year’s, which has been modified to take into account this year’s variety.

There is also the fact that many of us “got tired” of getting vaccinated after the multiple rounds during the pandemic. The fact remains that a flu vaccination is your best bet against what could range from some annoying sniffles to serious complications.

Incidentally, COVID is still very much around, and new boosters are available. I encourage everyone to get both vaccines, which can be received during the same appointment.

Flu vaccination is recommended for those six months and older every year for optimal protection, especially for groups at higher risk for developing complications, including:

• Adults 65 years and older
• Adults with chronic conditions including asthma, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease
• Pregnant women

Whether we ever get within striking distance of 100% compliance on getting the flu vaccine is impossible to foretell. However, the reality remains that receiving the vaccine is of considerable importance. Let’s all be a positive in”flu”ence. Schedule your shot today.

Dr. Gary Zeitlin is an attending physician and Director of the Infectious Disease Division at White Plains Hospital. To make an appointment for a flu shot, call 914-849-MyMD.

Health Matters
The original version of this article was published in Health Matters, a White Plains Hospital publication.