Kids are back to school, spiced pumpkin lattes are on tap and it's time for one of the most important fall traditions: getting your flu shot.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, flu vaccination rates declined, raising concerns of a potential major influenza resurgence this winter. This worry stems from the reduced uptake of flu vaccinations during the pandemic as well as the lower immune threshold resulting from historically low rates of respiratory diseases during lockdowns.
The American Lung Association (ALA) and Big Pharma Sanofi have launched the "United Against Flu" campaign, encouraging at-risk individuals to get their flu shots this month. The campaign places a specific emphasis on high-risk populations, particularly those with underlying conditions that increase their vulnerability to flu-related complications.
It’s also targeting Black Americans, who had higher rates of flu hospitalizations last flu season compared to white Americans, Hispanics and the Latino community.
“Last fall, we saw cases of the flu increase earlier than typical years. Thankfully, flu vaccination provided substantial protection for people across the U.S.,” said Harold Wimmer, national president and CEO of the ALA, in a release. “We know that getting a flu shot is the best way to help protect yourself, your family and your community against flu and severe illness from the flu.”
Sanofi, which markets a franchise of quadrivalent flu vaccines, is working with the ALA to get out the education and awareness campaign, which includes a website about flu prevention and protection. The ALA is not specifically endorsing or marketing any Sanofi shots.