Mayor Rick Baker and the American Lung Association Encourage St. Petersburg Residents to Get Immunized Against...( To find out how you can protect...),Health

To find out how you can protect yourself against influenza or to find a vaccination clinic near you, visit www.facesofinfluenza.org.

About Influenza

Influenza, along with its complications, is a serious respiratory illness. On average, 36,000 Americans die and about 226,000 people are hospitalized each year. Vaccination is a safe and effective way to prevent influenza and its complications. The CDC recommends that anyone who wishes to reduce their risk of contracting influenza; children 6 months-18 years of age; adults over 50 years of age; pregnant women; and anyone with chronic health conditions, such as asthma, COPD, heart disease, and diabetes, receive an annual influenza immunization. The CDC also recommends annual immunization for caregivers and household contacts of high-risk groups; such as relatives and health-care providers. Vaccination typically begins in October and can continue through March. In most seasons, influenza virus activity peaks in February or March, so vaccination throughout the fall, winter and spring is beneficial and recommended.

About Faces of Influenza

The American Lung Association's Faces of Influenza campaignis designed to show Americans the seriousness of influenza, a potentially deadly infectious disease, and reinforce the benefits of annual vaccination. The American Lung Association is conducting national and regional educational activities that highlight the importance of annual influenza vaccination (in support of the CDC's recommendations). Faces of Influenza also offers educational materials for consumers and health-care providers, as well as new television and radio public service announcements featuring national spokesperson Kristi Yamaguchi (mother, Olympic Gold Medalist and most recent winner of "Dancing with the Stars") and the target gro
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