American Lung Association's New MyShot Campaign Speaks to People Ages 50 and Older About the Potential Dangers of the Flu
Majority of adults ages 50 and older have a chronic health condition, putting them at risk for serious and potentially deadly flu-related complications; vaccination helps offer the best protection
CHICAGO, Oct. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Lung Association is urging adults 50 years of age and older to get their annual flu shot through its new MyShot campaign, which shares the personal stories of adults in their 50s, 60s and 70s and why they prioritize getting a flu shot. MyShot stories illustrate the potential impact of flu on this vulnerable group (severe illness, worsening of chronic health conditions, hospitalization and leading to missed work days). The campaign reinforces the need for adults 50 years of age and older to talk with their health care providers about flu shot options that may be right for them.
JoJo hadn’t gotten the flu before, so she never thought she needed a flu shot. Then, the flu knocked her out of action, and she learned that asthma and the flu can be a dangerous combination.
Fishing, hunting and woodworking remained big parts of Jim’s life following his COPD diagnosis, but everything changed when he came down with the flu. Now he can’t do much without running out of air.
For people living with asthma and diabetes, the flu can be particularly dangerous -- as Lisa knows all too well. Last year, flu struck her hard, and she ended up in the intensive care unit.
Influenza is something Dr. Han talks to her patients about all year long. It can be serious and can impact people’s health for weeks, months or in some cases take their lives.
MyShot, a collaboration with Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of Sanofi, speaks directly to adults 50 years of age and older, because by the time adults turn 50 they are more likely to have one or more chronic health condition such as lung disease, heart disease or diabetes. When combined with the flu, these conditions can become worse and lead to serious illness. Vaccination is the best way to help protect against the flu. Yet, despite these potential dangers, vaccination rates for those 50 years of age and older have stagnated, hovering around 45 percent for adults ages 50-64 and 65 percent for adults ages 65 and older.
"Even though I have chronic asthma, I never thought I needed a flu shot. I had never gotten the flu before and never worried about it. Then, last season, I got the flu twice. It made my asthma worse and stopped me in my tracks," said JoJo O'Neal, a 54-year-old radio host. "Not only did I put my own health at risk, but I passed the flu to my sister who has a chronic lung disease and she passed it on to her daughter. I understand now that my choice not to get vaccinated was selfish. I'm making my annual flu shot a priority and, through MyShot, I'm encouraging everyone else to do the same."
Flu is not just a bad cold. It can lead to severe, sometimes life-threatening illness, and other health problems such as pneumonia, exacerbation of heart disease – including increased risk of heart attack or stroke – and even death. While anyone can get the flu, certain people are at increased risk of flu and flu-related complications, including adults 50 years of age and older.
There are several vaccine options available, including some specifically designed for older adults. Health officials recommend everyone ages 6 months and older, with rare exception, get their annual flu shot.
"If you end up getting the flu, being vaccinated may help make your symptoms milder and help you avoid more serious consequences," said MeiLan Han, M.D. American Lung Association volunteer medical spokesperson. "Getting the flu can cause serious illness with lasting impact for some people, including longer-term disability and increased risk for other serious health events like heart attack or stroke. I recommend vaccination to all of my eligible patients, and hope through this campaign to educate others on how to help protect themselves."
By visiting GetMyShot.org, people 50 years of age and older and their caregivers can access resources that explain the need to take the flu seriously and get vaccinated every year. Resources include information about the potential dangers of flu, how the flu can have direct and indirect effects on chronic conditions, and the need to prioritize vaccination. There is also a guide to talk with health care providers about which vaccine options may be right for adults 50 years of age and older.
Adults 50 years of age and older are encouraged to visit GetMyShot.org to learn more and to speak with their healthcare provider about flu vaccine options that may be right for them.
For media interested in speaking with a medical expert about influenza and its impact on adults ages 50 and older, or one of our featured MyShot storytellers, contact Allison MacMunn at the American Lung Association at [email protected] or 312-801-7628.
About the MyShot Campaign MyShot is an American Lung Association educational campaign, developed in collaboration with Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of Sanofi, that highlights the dangers of influenza, or the flu, for people 50 years of age and older and particularly for people with one or more chronic medical conditions. The campaign features personal stories of medical experts and adults 50 years of age and older from various walks of life discussing their firsthand experiences with the flu and why they prioritize getting vaccinated. Educational resources, MyShot stories and guides for talking to health care providers about flu vaccine options that may be right for adults 50 years of age and older are available at GetMyShot.org.
About the American Lung Association The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, through research, education and advocacy. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to improve the air we breathe; to reduce the burden of lung disease on individuals and their families; and to eliminate tobacco use and tobacco-related diseases. For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Guide Seal, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org.
American Lung Association • 55 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1150 • Chicago, IL 60601 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) Lung.org
CONTACT: Allison MacMunn | American Lung Association P: 312-801-7628E: [email protected]
SOURCE American Lung Association
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