The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases released concerning information that only 52 percent of adults in the U.S. plan to get vaccinated during the upcoming flu season.
The organization said on Thursday that it urges everyone 6 months of age or older to get vaccinated for the flu as soon as possible.
"Many people underestimate the severity of flu, yet we know flu causes hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and tens of thousands of deaths each year in the United States," said Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex M. Azar, II. "When it comes to protecting people from flu, our best preventive tool is an annual flu vaccine. It can safely prevent flu illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths," added Secretary Azar.
Getting vaccinated is especially important for people with chronic health conditions that puts them at higher risk for flu-related complications.
"Last flu season, approximately 93 percent of adults hospitalized for flu-related complications had at least one underlying medical condition, such as heart or lung disease. Vaccination against flu and pneumococcal disease must be part of disease management for people with chronic health conditions," said Dr. Borden, a preventive cardiology specialist.
Those looking for a flu vaccine can click here on where to get vaccinated.
