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The American Lung Association of the Central States Encourages Kansas City Residents to See Themselves Among the Many 'Faces' of Influenza

Tuesday, December 9, 2008 General News
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Local Community Leaders Join the Faces of Influenza Campaign to Promote Annual Vaccination



American Lung Association Supports National Influenza Vaccination Week (December 8-14); Urges Immunization Throughout the Winter and Spring
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KANSAS CITY, MO., Dec. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Health experts recommend annual influenza vaccination for nearly 250 million people in the U.S. Despite this recommendation, influenza immunization rates fall far short every year. Locally, between 22,500 and 89,500 Kansas City area residents will suffer from influenza in an average year.
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Many community leaders, including the Kansas City Public Health Department, Children's Mercy Hospital, the Mid America Immunization Coalition, Unified Government Health Department, Kansas City Wellness Network and the Greater Kansas City APIC Chapter 031, are partnering with the American Lung Association of the Central States' Faces of Influenza campaign, a national educational campaign designed to help Americans see themselves and their loved ones among the many "faces" of influenza -- target groups recommended for vaccination.



They are also joined by Kansas City's "face" of influenza Julie Moise, who lost her 6 1/2-month-old son, Ian, due to complications of influenza five years ago.



"Many people think they should get vaccinated only if they are at risk for developing complications from influenza," said Julie. "What they don't realize is that if you simply are around someone at risk, like young children or people with chronic medical conditions, then you need to get vaccinated every year, too. It's the best protection you can offer yourself, and everyone around you."



Influenza, along with its complications, is a serious respiratory illness. On average, 36,000 Americans die and about 226,000 people are hospitalized in the U.S. every year. Vaccination is a safe and effective way to prevent influenza and its complications.



"Despite serious health risks associated with influenza, many people, including children 6 months through 18 years of age, those 50 years of age and older and people with chronic health problems are not getting immunized," said Norman Edelman, MD, Chief Medical Officer of the American Lung Association. "More than 4 out of 5 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 an influenza immunization each and every year."



Celebrities, health officials and everyday people have joined the Faces of Influenza campaign, sharing personal stories about their experiences with the disease and encouraging influenza vaccination among recommended groups.



The Lung Association is working with other families across the country who lost loved ones to influenza. These parents, as well as others involved in the program, have joined the Faces of Influenza campaign to help families avoid the tragedies they experienced.



On a national level, Olympic Gold Medalist figure skater, most recent "Dancing with the Stars" winner and mother Kristi Yamaguchi is the spokesperson for the Faces of Influenza campaign. Other celebrity "faces" featured include: actor Dean Cain, who played Superman on ABC's Lois and Clark; Dr. Joyce Brothers, well-known psychologist and advice columnist; Joy Behar, comedian and co-host of ABC's The View; Olympic Gold Medalist Vonetta Flowers; and actor Peter Gallagher, who starred in FOX's The OC.



Faces of Influenza Awareness Activities

The initiative also includes educational materials for consumers and health-care providers, as well as the national distribution of new television and radio public service announcements featuring Kristi Yamaguchi and the target groups recommended for influenza immunization. The Lung Association has developed a Web site, www.facesofinfluenza.org, where consumers and health-care providers can find more information about influenza and the importance of immunization. Visitors to the site can also view the photographs and stories featured in the Faces of Influenza Portrait Gallery, view the public service campaign and utilize the Lung Association's Flu Clinic Locator, www.flucliniclocator.org, the largest online directory of public influenza clinics.



About Influenza

Influenza, along with its complications, is a serious respiratory illness. On average, 36,000 Americans die and about 226,000 people are hospitalized each year. Vaccination is a safe and effective way to prevent influenza and its complications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that anyone who wishes to reduce their risk of contracting influenza; children 6 months-18 years of age; adults over 50 years of age; pregnant women; and anyone with chronic health conditions, such as asthma, COPD, heart disease and diabetes, receive an annual influenza immunization. The CDC also recommends annual immunization for caregivers and household contacts of these high-risk groups, such as relatives and health-care providers. Vaccination typically begins in October and can continue through March. In most seasons, influenza virus activity peaks in February or March, so vaccination throughout the entire influenza season is beneficial and recommended.



About the Flu Clinic Locator

In addition to this campaign, the Lung Association continues to offer its Flu Clinic Locator as a public service. By typing in their 5-digit ZIP code, site visitors can receive a list of immunization clinics in their area. Site visitors may also schedule appointment reminders and sign up to receive seasonal influenza news. The Flu Clinic Locator remains active as long as public influenza immunization clinics are offered.



About the American Lung Association

Beginning our second century, the American Lung Association 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 funds vital research on the causes of and treatments for lung disease. With the generous support of the public, the American Lung Association is "Fighting for Air."



For More Information

For more information about the Faces of Influenza educational initiative, visit www.facesofinfluenza.org.



For information about the American Lung Association or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or log onto www.lungusa.org.



The American Lung Association's Faces of Influenza educational initiative is made possible through a collaboration with sanofi pasteur.



SOURCE The American Lung Association
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