The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Medical Association (AMA), and the Ad Council have joined forces to encourage Americans to get vaccinated against the flu. The call comes after preliminary estimates showed that during the 2023-2024 flu season, at least 41 million people contracted the flu, resulting in 490,000 hospitalizations and 25,000 deaths. Despite these numbers, less than half of the U.S. population received a flu vaccine.
Vaccination has proven effective in reducing hospitalization risks by about 40% in adults and 50% in children. Health experts are urging vaccinations not only to prevent serious illness from the flu but also to mitigate potential complications like hospitalization and death. With concerns about co-circulating viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 this season, updating other recommended vaccines is also advised.
Heidi Arthur from the Ad Council stated, “A flu shot may seem like a small or unnecessary action to protect yourself and loved ones from illness, but it’s actually a powerful and proven tool that will keep you and your community safe.” She emphasized their partnership with CDC and AMA aims to promote vaccination so people can enjoy gatherings without fear of spreading or contracting the flu.
Demetre Daskalakis of CDC highlighted that getting an annual flu vaccine is crucial for protection against potentially severe outcomes. He noted that vaccination reduces both infection risk and illness severity even if one contracts the virus post-vaccination.
Bruce A. Scott from AMA urged everyone aged six months and older to get vaccinated before flu spreads within communities. He pointed out that Black and Hispanic populations face higher risks due to healthcare inequities and lower vaccination rates. The campaign focuses on improving these rates among minority groups.
This year’s campaign includes a new PSA titled “Play Defense Against Flu,” created pro-bono by Madwell ad agency. It uses comedy to show how antibodies work after vaccination to protect individuals and communities from the flu. Audiences are encouraged to learn more at GetMyFluShot.org.
Mau Galvan from Madwell explained their approach: “We want to deliver the message that taking a flu shot is a team effort because it benefits yourself and the community.” The PSA illustrates how antibodies act as a team with help from a flu shot.
The CDC recommends annual vaccinations for everyone over six months old unless medically exempted. Efforts include guidance on administering both flu and COVID-19 vaccines simultaneously when eligible, focusing particularly on increasing vaccination rates among racial minorities in collaboration with doctors' offices, pharmacies, and community organizations across America.
