Influenza is a potentially serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and even death. Every year there are millions of influenza infections, hundreds of thousands of flu-related hospitalizations, and thousands of flu-related deaths. An annual flu vaccine is the best way to protect against influenza and may reduce the risk of flu illness, flu-related hospitalizations, and even flu-related death.¹ It is recommended that everyone 6 months and older get a seasonal flu vaccine each year, and those over 65 are especially encouraged because they are at higher risk of developing serious complications from the flu. (CHR 2023)

Percentage of fee-for-service (FFS) Medicare enrollees that had an annual flu vaccination. The 2023 County Health Rankings used data from 2020 for this measure. (CHR 2023)