Video: New Survey Finds Mothers See Influenza as a Serious Health Threat, but Often Don't Get Their Families ...( American Lung Association's 2008 Face...),Health

American Lung Association's 2008 Faces of Influenza survey underscores that mothers need to get families immunized against influenza; Mother and Gold Medalist Kristi Yamaguchi joins initiative

WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- While 78 percent of mothers in the United States consider influenza a severe and potentially life-threatening disease that can strike anyone, only half say it is likely their families will get vaccinated this season, according to a new survey from the American Lung Association.

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"Our survey was done to help underscore that families are largely unaware they are at risk for influenza infection and to reinforce the need for greater awareness about the importance of annual immunization," said Bernadette Toomey, president and CEO of the American Lung Association.

Only 38 percent of moms say they will get vaccinated this influenza season, the survey found, and only 46 percent plan to encourage their spouses and children to get vaccinated against influenza, leaving them at risk for severe symptoms, serious complications and even death. More than 250 million Americans -- more than 4 out of 5 individuals -- are recommended to get influenza vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Virtually all mothers (95 percent) in the survey say they have the responsibility of organizing appointments for family members to get immunized against influenza.

"We surveyed mothers throughout the United States to assess their awareness about a family's need for influenza immunization, because these women are the family's health-care decision makers -- the ones who will make sure their loved ones go get immunized against influenza," said Ms. Toomey.
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