It’s that time of the year again! Flu season is approaching quickly, and health officials across the state are joining us in urging everyone to get their influenza vaccination. The flu vaccine is a safe and effective tool for preventing flu-related illness, hospitalization, and death, and getting one isn’t just about protecting yourself, it helps protect your whole community.
What Was Last Flu Season Like?
Flu season typically ramps up in the fall and can last well into the next spring, which is why it’s important to get vaccinated early for lasting protection. Last season hit Americans hard: the 2024–2025 flu season saw the highest number of pediatric flu-related deaths since the 2009 influenza pandemic, with 290 deaths reported nationwide. Here in Indiana, 664 flu-related deaths were reported overall during that same season.
Despite these numbers, vaccination rates have been steadily declining. Less than 50% of Americans were vaccinated from the flu last season. That drop in vaccinations, paired with higher rates of deaths and hospitalizations, is exactly why it is so vital to get vaccinated this season.
Why Is the Flu Vaccine Important?
The flu vaccine can decrease the risk of influenza infection and make any potential infection less serious for those who are vaccinated. It:
- Prevents illness, hospitalization, and death by helping your immune system fight off the virus before it takes hold.
- Protects the most vulnerable members of our community, including young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems, by reducing overall transmission in the population.
When more people are vaccinated, the flu has fewer opportunities to spread, which means better protection for everyone, especially those who are most at risk of severe complications.
Does the Flu Vaccine Work?
Yes. The flu vaccine is one of the most effective tools we have for reducing the severity and spread of influenza. It’s updated each year to match the strains expected to circulate, and getting vaccinated significantly lowers your chances of severe illness, hospitalization, or death from the flu.
- During the 2024–2025 flu season, CDC estimates that flu vaccination prevented 10 million flu-related illnesses, 5 million flu-related medical visits, 180,000 flu-related hospitalizations, and 12,000 flu-related deaths in the United States.
- Studies show flu vaccination reduced the risk of a flu-related doctor’s visit by 40-60%.
- For adults that were hospitalized with flu-related illnesses in 2024, those that received the flu vaccine were less likely to need more severe interventions, such as ICU admission or ventilation.
There are many studies documenting the benefits of flu vaccination, which show flu vaccination reduces the risk of flu and its potentially serious complications among many groups of people. Talk to your doctor about getting an annual flu vaccine to reduce the risk of flu.
How Can I Get My Flu Vaccine?
Health officials urge Americans to say, “Boo to the Flu” and get their influenza vaccination before October 30th to provide protection as we head into peak flu season.
Talk to your primary care doctor or visit a pharmacy or clinic to learn about receiving a flu vaccine. Jane Pauley Community Health Center is now providing flu vaccines at all our clinics and the JPCHC Pharmacy. Call ahead or make an appointment with your primary care provider to ensure we have vaccine inventory. You can be a part of reducing the transmission of the flu this season with one simple shot!
