Survey Shows Mothers See Value in Influenza Vaccination for Their Families Through the Winter ...( American Lung Association Supports Na...),Health

American Lung Association Supports National Influenza Vaccination Week, December 8 - 14; Urges Immunization into December, January and Beyond

WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Mothers -- often the family's primary healthcare decision maker -- recognize the great value in getting their families vaccinated against influenza throughout the winter months and even into early spring, according to a survey commissioned by the American Lung Association as part of its Faces of Influenza immunization awareness initiative.

"Mothers play an important role in keeping their families healthy, including getting them vaccinated against influenza each year, and our survey shows they believe in the value of immunization for their loved ones through the winter and spring," said Norman Edelman, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of the American Lung Association.

National Influenza Vaccination Week is scheduled for December 8-14. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages physicians to continue giving influenza vaccinations through the end of the year and beyond. This year, the CDC designated the following days to emphasize the importance of vaccinating specific target populations:

• Tuesday, December 9: Children's Vaccination Day
• Thursday, December 11: Seniors' Vaccination Day
• Friday, December 12: Healthcare Worker Vaccination Day

Each year, approximately 226,000 people in the United States are hospitalized with complications from influenza and an average of 36,000 people die -- including about 100 children. CDC reports that annual influenza vaccination rates have historically decreased following the Thanksgiving holiday.

Healthcare providers also are encouraged to continue to offer vaccinations throughout the entire influenza season. The Lung Association survey, ho
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