American Lung Association Of Indiana Launches Influenza Education Initiative To Encourage Hoosiers To See Themselves Among The ‘Faces Of Influenza’

November 29, 2006 – 4:15 pm | posted in Flu / SARS, Immune System, Respiratory / Asthma

In Indiana, influenza immunization rates fall far short every year, even though health experts recommend more than 200 million people should receive an influenza vaccine annually. On November 27, 2006, national “Influenza Vaccination Week,” the American Lung Association of Indiana (ALA-I) is launching the Faces of Influenza public awareness initiative to help Hoosiers put a “face” on this serious illness and recognize influenza immunization as an important preventive measure to safeguard them and their families ever year.

The program is designed to prevent this serious respiratory illness that, along with its complications, kills an average of 36,000 people and hospitalizes 226,000 people in the U.S. every year.

“We are pleased that the American Lung Association of Indiana is playing such an important role in vaccination awareness,” says State Health Commissioner Judy Monroe, M.D. “The best way to avoid the flu is to get a flu vaccination, which is especially important for people who are at risk of serious complications from the flu.”

“Despite serious health risks associated with influenza, many people, including people with chronic health problems, young children and those 50 years and older, are not getting immunized,” says Dr. Michael Busk, American Lung Association-Indiana, medical spokesperson, Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Occupational Medicine at Indiana University Medical Center. “Two out of three Americans should be vaccinated every year, which means it’s likely each one of us knows someone whose well-being, good health or life depends on getting influenza immunization each and every year.”

Nancy D. Turner, President and Chief Executive Officer of the ALA-I, who has asthma — one of the high-risk groups recommended for annual influenza immunization — urges families to see themselves among the “faces of influenza.” Turner encourages people to take influenza seriously and help prevent it through vaccination.

Faces of Influenza Awareness Activities

The initiative also includes educational materials. The Lung Association has developed a new Web site, http://www.facesofinfluenza.org where Hoosiers and health care providers can find more information about influenza and immunization. The site also features the Lung Association’s Flu Clinic Locator (the largest online directory of public influenza clinics on the Web). Another helpful website is the Indiana State Department of Health influenza site at http://www.in.gov/isdh/healthinfo/influenza_index.htm.

About Influenza

Influenza is a serious respiratory illness, that along with its complications, kills an average of 36,000 Americans and puts approximately 226,000 people in the hospital each year. Adults and children with a chronic medical condition, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and diabetes, are at higher risk for complications from influenza. Persons age 50 and older; pregnant women and children 6 through 59 months of age, as well as household contacts wishing to reduce their risk for contracting influenza, should also be vaccinated to help prevent influenza- related complications and the spread of this dangerous virus.

About the Flu Clinic Locator

The Lung Association of Indiana offers its Flu Clinic Locator as a public service. The Flu Clinic Locator at http://www.lungusa.org is an online resource for finding influenza shots.

By typing in their 5-digit zip code, site visitors can receive a list of clinics in their area. Site visitors may also schedule reminders and sign up to receive seasonal flu news. The Flu Clinic Locator will remain active as long as public flu clinics are offered.

About the American Lung Association of Indiana

Beginning our second century, the American Lung Association of Indiana is the leading organization working to prevent lung disease and promote lung health. Lung disease death rates continue to increase, while other leading causes of death have declined. The American Lung Association of Indiana funds vital research on the causes of and treatments for lung disease. With the generous support of the public, the American Lung Association of Indiana is “Improving life, one breath at a time.”

For more information

For more information about the Faces of Influenza educational initiative, visit http://www.facesofinfluenza.org . For information about the American Lung Association of Indiana or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or log on to http://www.lungin.org.

The American Lung Association of Indiana’s Faces of Influenza educational initiative is made possible through collaboration with Sanofi Pasteur, a pharmaceutical company headquartered in France.

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