The American Lung Association’s Flu Clinic Locator is an easy-to-use online resource that helps you find the most convenient place to get your seasonal flu shot. The locator includes more than 650,000 clinic locations across the country.  It also lets you set up an appointment e-mail reminder, along with the option to sign up for influenza-specific updates throughout the season.

Flu is serious – vaccination protects
Seasonal influenza is a serious respiratory illness, killing an average of 36,000 Americans and hospitalizing another 226,000 each year. 

The Lung Association urges Americans to get vaccinated early this influenza season—as soon as seasonal vaccinations are available. 

“Vaccination is safe and effective, and is the best way to help prevent the flu,” says Norman H. Edelman, M.D., American Lung Association Chief Medical Officer.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all children – 6 months through 18 years of age – be vaccinated, since they are among the main transmitters of the flu virus.

Other people at higher risk who are advised to get vaccinated are those 50 years and older in addition to people with chronic health problems such as asthma, diabetes, COPD and heart disease.

Parents should also keep in mind that the CDC recommends immunization of women who are pregnant during flu season as well as household contacts, such as caregivers, relatives, babysitters, day care and health care providers who may interact with groups at high-risk for developing complications from influenza.

H1N1 Flu
The potential severity of the H1N1 virus (swine flu) this fall remains uncertain at this time. Special recommendations, including possible H1N1 vaccination guidelines, may be issued by the CDC for children and adults who are at greater risk for complications from influenza. These recommendations and updates can be accessed online by visiting: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/.

Faces of Influenza
To help Americans see themselves among the many groups the government recommends get vaccinated each year, the Lung Association will launch, later this fall, its annual Faces of Influenza campaign in collaboration with sanofi pastuer. The national educational initiative is designed to show Americans the seriousness of this potentially deadly infectious disease. More information can be found online at www.facesofinfluenza.org.

Prices for the flu shot vary throughout the U.S. and can cost up to $20; although vaccination is often covered by insurance.  For more information, contact your doctor or local health department.

Related links:
Find a Flu Clinic
Faces of Influenza
Influenza Fact Sheet
Press Release
Sign Up to Get Influenza Updates