Editorial: Everyone needs a flu shot - Chicago Sun-Times
Editorial: Everyone needs a flu shot
Editorials September 23, 2011 7:54PM
Updated: September 25, 2011 2:31AM
Flu shots date back to the end of World War II, but most Americans still don’t get one.
This year, though, public health officials are hoping they’ll manage to get more than half of the nation immunized, up from 43 percent. What they’d really like to see is every American over the age of six months rolling up their sleeves for a shot — or opting for one of three alternatives — as the annual influenza season rolls around.
For the first time, there are four ways to get vaccinated: a regular shot; a nasal mist with a weakened virus; a tiny “ouchless” needle, or a high-potency shot for people 65 and older. Illinois officials are urging seniors to get vaccinated now.
As memories of the 2009 flu pandemic are fading, officials worry that any sense of urgency is fading, too. But there’s no reason not to take advantage of the 90 million doses available now and 80 million on the way. Last flu season, 114 children died. And a survey released Wednesday by Walgreens said the most recent flu season cost 100 million lost work days, $7 billion in lost wages and 32 million missed school days.
Get your shot.
I prefer my shots in a glass
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