Is it too late to get the flu shot? Plus, vaccines and death rates

With the global focus on COVID-19 vaccinations, it’s easy to sideline another preventative measure that should be the center of the conversation right now: the seasonal flu vaccine.

Some people may assume that because they are protected from the deadliest virus, they may skip the daily flu shot. Other people may have trouble finding the time to make another health-related appointment… or remember to make it. And vaccine hesitation and skepticism may be fueled by concerns about influenza vaccines targeting the wrong strains of influenza.

But it is definitely worth getting the flu shot. If we look beyond fear and weariness to the cold, hard facts, there are compelling reasons almost everyone to get a flu shot – and if you haven’t already, it’s not too late. The flu season can extend into May.

The benefits of getting the flu shot are clearly demonstrated through research. In addition to preventing you from getting sick and reducing the risk of serious illness, the flu shot can also protect high-risk populations such as pregnant people, children, and people with chronic illnesses.

If you’re vigilant about getting your flu shot, you’re in good company. During the 2018-2019 influenza season, * 169 million seasonal influenza vaccines were distributed in the United States Translated: persons 6 months and older, 49 percent were vaccinated.

In the graph below, you can see this flu season’s vaccination numbers broken down by state, along with some quick facts.

We can attribute these vaccinated Good Samaritans with astonishing statistics like these: During the 2019-2020 influenza season, vaccination prevented 7.52 million illnesses, 3.69 million medical visits, 105,000 hospitalizations and over 6,300 deaths in the USA

On the other hand, however, 51% of the American population does not have get the flu shot.

This reluctance to get vaccinated can have dire consequences. CDC estimates that influenza has resulted in 52,000 deaths and 720,000 hospitalizations each year over the past decade.

Below you can see the number of flu deaths in the same flu season represented in the vaccination chart above.

The good news is that attitudes towards vaccines are changing and more people than ever are ready to get vaccinated. For the 2020-2021 influenza season, the valued The vaccination coverage rate for people 6 months and over is 52.1%.

You can do your part by spreading the word and remembering to schedule this seasonal flu shot every year.

_{* These data are from 2018-2019, as the most recent flu numbers were affected by COVID-19.}