After last season’s increase in influenza, the need for flu vaccinations for Indiana residents is high. The last flu season saw a significant increase in the effects of influenza, including higher numbers of deaths and hospitalizations, as well as lower vaccination rates. These effects underscore the importance of flu vaccination in preventing serious flu complications.

CDC’s estimates conclude that last year’s flu season saw the greatest number of flu-related hospitalizations since the 2010-11 season. The number of deaths due to influenza also rose last season, including 662 deaths in Indiana alone.

“Flu vaccination is an important defense against serious influenza complications such as hospitalization and death,” said Dr. Rita Patel, a pediatrician at the Jane Pauley Community Health Center. “There was a higher number of flu deaths last season than there have been in any prior season since 2020, and vaccinations are proven to reduce the risk of these outcomes.”

Data from the CDC also shows that vaccine rates are going down, especially among children. Fewer children were vaccinated last season than in any season since 2019-20.

As Dr. Patel emphasized, “Vaccines such as the influenza vaccine are critical for children who are more susceptible to become ill with the flu. The influenza vaccine has been proven to reduce the risk of life-threatening influenza in children by 75 percent.”

As the holiday season approaches, the Indiana Department of Health encourages everyone six months and older to say, “Boo to the Flu,” and be vaccinated for the flu by October 31. The Jane Pauley Community Health Center is taking on that mission, offering affordable and accessible flu vaccines at its clinics, including vaccines for children at its Kokomo Pediatrics office, 3116 S. Reed Road.