Video: New Survey Finds Mothers See Influenza as a Serious Health Threat, but Often Don't Get Their Families ...(mselves. CDC this year expand...),Health

CDC this year expanded its recommendations for annual influenza vaccination to include all children ages 6 months-18 years, however, only one-third of moms report that their child's pediatrician mentioned influenza vaccination for their children.

"Immunization is the best protection we have against influenza, yet many people don't realize they are recommended for vaccination," said Norman Edelman, MD, Chief Medical Officer of the American Lung Association. "We encourage Americans to talk to their health-care professionals about annual immunization or visit www.facesofinfluenza.org to find a flu clinic in their area. The influenza season usually peaks in February or March, so vaccination should continue though the fall, winter and spring."

About the Survey

This survey was conducted via telephone within the United States by CARAVAN Opinion Research Corporation, on behalf of the American Lung Association, among 1,000 adult females, 18 years of age and older with children up to 17 years old. No estimates of theoretical sampling error can be calculated; a full methodology is available upon request.

About Influenza

Influenza can strike anyone and can lead to severe complications, such as pneumonia, and even cause death. Vaccination is the best protection against the spread of the influenza virus, yet national vaccination rates remain alarmingly low. Each year, approximately 226,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized with complications from influenza and an average of 36,000 people die -- including about 100 children.

CDC recommends immunization for 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, ch
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