The Value of Vaccination: Flu Shots and Beyond

Vaccination is one of the most powerful tools we must protect our health and the well-being of those around us. From flu shots to other vital immunizations, staying protected has never been more important. At NMPC, we champion the value of prevention and proactive care, empowering you to safeguard your health every step of the way. 

The benefits of flu vaccination 

There are many reasons to get an influenza (flu) vaccine each year. 

1. Reduce flu illness: Flu vaccination can keep you from getting sick with flu. 

Flu vaccine prevents millions of illnesses and flu-related doctor’s visits each year. For example, during 2019-2020, the last flu season prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, flu vaccination prevented an estimated 7 million influenza illnesses, 3 million influenza-associated medical visits, 100,000 influenza-associated hospitalizations, and 7,000 influenza-associated deaths. 

2. Reduce severity of illness: Flu vaccination has been shown in several studies to reduce severity of illness in people who get vaccinated but still get sick. 

A 2021 study showed that among adults hospitalized with flu, vaccinated patients had a 26% lower risk of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and a 31% lower risk of death from flu compared with those who were unvaccinated. 

3. Reduce the risk: Flu vaccination can reduce the risk of flu-associated hospitalization. 

4. Chronic health conditions 

Flu vaccination is an important preventive tool for people with certain chronic health conditions. 

Flu vaccination has been associated with lower rates of some cardiac events among people with heart disease, especially among those who have had a cardiac event in the past year. 

5. Pregnancy 

Flu vaccination during pregnancy helps protect pregnant people from flu during and after pregnancy and helps protect their infants from flu in their first few months of life. 

A 2013 study showed that during the 2010–2011 and 2011–2012 flu seasons vaccination reduced the risk of flu-associated acute respiratory infection in pregnant people by about one-half. 

6. In children 

Flu vaccine can be lifesaving in children. 

A 2022 study showed that flu vaccination reduced children’s risk of severe life-threatening influenza by 75%. 

7. Protecting others – Getting yourself vaccinated may also protect people around you, including those who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness, like babies and young children, older people, and people with certain chronic health conditions.