FACES OF INFLUENZA ® - American Lung Association's Influenza Prevention Program in Collaboration with sanofi pasteur

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Find a Flu Shot - American Lung Association

50 and Older

Help Protect Yourself,
Help Protect Your Loved Ones

Adults 50 years of age and older lead full and active lives, balancing careers, hobbies, friends, and families. Getting a flu shot every year is the best way to help protect yourself from missing work, needing medical visits and medications, and also passing the virus on to a colleague, friend, or family member.1

Many in this population also take care of older parents and grandparents, as well as children and grandchildren. Getting the entire family vaccinated is the best way to help protect them from missed days at work or school, trips to the doctor or hospital, serious complications (including pneunomia), and even death.1

In addition, Americans 50 years of age and older are more likely to have chronic medical conditions that can be made worse if they are infected with influenza. These include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and diabetes, among others.1

Typically, older adults are hardest hit by influenza. Nearly 90% of deaths caused by influenza and its complications occur among people 65 years of age and older.1

Don't take the chance; make sure you and your family are protected. Ask your health-care provider about flu vaccination options.

Did you know?

Portrait Gallery

  • Zack Yaksich

    Zack Yaksich

    Father Who Lost His 5-year-old Daughter to Influenza-related Complications

    In February 2003, tragedy struck Zack and his family when his 5-year-old daughter, Alana, passed away in the hospital because of complications of influenza. Alana had not been vaccinated against the disease, and children typically experience the highest rates of influenza infection each year.1

  • Diane and Mike McGowan

    Diane and Mike McGowan

    Parents of Martin McGowan, Who Died of Influenza-related Complications at 15 Years of Age

    Diane and Mike McGowan’s healthy 15-year-old son, Martin, died from influenza-related complications in 2005. “One flu shot could have saved his life,” said Diane.

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Copyright © 2011 American Lung Association®

AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION

The mission of the American Lung Association is to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease.