UPDATE: As the flu season approaches, health experts are urgently reminding the public to get vaccinated. Last year’s devastating flu season resulted in 27,000 deaths and 610,000 hospitalizations across the United States, highlighting the critical need for flu shots.
At the heart of this message is Jeb Teichman, a retired pediatrician whose son, Brent Teichman, tragically succumbed to the flu after failing to get vaccinated. Brent experienced severe symptoms that led to his untimely death, a stark reminder of the flu’s deadly potential, especially for those unvaccinated.
“I still hear the monitors beeping,” said Teichman, reflecting on the trauma of losing his son. In an effort to prevent other families from enduring similar heartache, he has joined Families Fighting Flu, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness about the flu and advocating for vaccinations.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 32% of hospitalized flu patients last year had received the vaccine. The organization emphasized that flu vaccination prevented 9.8 million illnesses and 120,000 hospitalizations during the 2023-2024 flu season. This year, the CDC is encouraging everyone over the age of six months to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease physician at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, stresses the importance of timely vaccinations. “Adults should aim to get their flu shots by late October,” he advised, ensuring maximum protection as flu activity begins to escalate.
Current data from wastewater monitoring shows that the flu season has yet to gain significant momentum in the U.S., but officials warn it can spread rapidly once it starts. Alexandria Boehm, director of WastewaterSCAN, stated,
“Once it starts in one state, it starts everywhere at the same time.”
Parents are reminded that children need to be vaccinated early, ideally by late summer or fall, to ensure full protection. Babies and children aged 6 months to 8 years receiving their first flu shot should receive two doses, spaced four weeks apart.
Despite the proven safety of flu vaccines, vaccination rates have dropped. The percentage of adults planning to get vaccinated has fallen from 60% in 2020 to 54% in 2024. This decline can lead to increased hospitalizations and deaths, as seen last year when the flu season was notably severe.
Dr. Robert Kim-Farley from UCLA reassured the public about vaccine safety, stating,
“These are extremely safe vaccines. There’s nothing people need to be alarmed about.”
Side effects are typically mild, such as soreness at the injection site.
Those skeptical about the flu vaccine should consider the consequences of neglecting to get vaccinated. The flu is not merely a bad cold; it can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, affecting even healthy individuals. In fact, 44% of children who died from the flu last year were previously healthy.
As misinformation continues to spread on social media, health advocates like Teichman are working tirelessly to educate the public about the flu and the critical importance of vaccinations. “We must remind people that the flu can be deadly, especially for those who are unvaccinated,” he urged.
With flu season approaching, health officials are calling for immediate action. Don’t wait—get your flu shot now and protect yourself and your loved ones from this potentially deadly virus. Stay informed, stay safe, and ensure you are vaccinated before flu activity intensifies.