Kristi Yamaguchi Joins the American Lung Association of the Central States to Encourage Annual Influenza Vaccination to Help Americans Prepare for ...(of influenza who knows the importance of...),Health

"Influenza is not worth the risk to my family - especially because of the potentially serious impact it could have on my son's health," said Rebecca. "Knowing what I know about the possible devastating effects of influenza, I urge other families to take control and learn about the virus. It's a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and even death."

Immunization Rates Remain Low

Despite recommendations by health experts that more than four out of five Americans should be vaccinated against seasonal influenza annually, fewer than half actually do.

On average, between 120,600 and 482,500 Dallas/Ft. Worth area residents will suffer from seasonal influenza, yet immunization rates fall short each year.

Chances Are, We All Know Many "Faces" of Influenza

The Faces of Influenza campaign, which includes expanded awareness initiatives nationally and in many major cities, supports the CDC call for Americans to get vaccinated against seasonal influenza this and every year.

Celebrities, health officials and everyday people have joined the Faces of Influenza campaign, sharing personal stories about their experiences with the disease and encouraging influenza vaccination among recommended groups.

The Lung Association is working with other families across the country who lost loved ones to influenza. These parents, as well as others involved in the program, have joined the Faces of Influenza campaign to help families avoid the tragedies they experienced.

On a national level, Kristi Yamaguchi is the spokesperson for the Faces of Influenza campaign. Other celebrity "faces" featured include: actor Dean Cain, who played Superman on ABC's "Lois and Clark;" Dr. Joyce
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