Judith Light joins NCOA on flu-shot awareness program
ARLINGTON, Va. — Emmy and Tony award-winning actress Judith Light and the National Council on Aging are teaming up for the second year on the national Flu + You educational initiative to educate older adults their caregivers about the seriousness of influenza, the importance of prevention and available vaccine options.
“Adults 65 and over typically account for roughly half of flu-related hospitalizations and almost all flu-related deaths, so the low awareness among seniors about the seriousness of the flu is concerning,” Kathleen Cameron, senior director, National Council on Aging, said. “In our [2015] survey, 82% of seniors said they are not extremely confident in where to find information about the flu1—and that is what we are here for, to provide the further education and resources needed when it comes to the flu.”
According to the NCOA survey of 1,000 Americans over 65, only 13% of seniors are extremely confident in their knowledge of possible flu complications and about one third are unaware that someone with chronic health conditions, like heart disease or diabetes, would be at risk for complications from the flu.
Other survey findings include:
More than half (57%) of seniors are unaware there is a flu shot specifically for their age group;
Only 8% are concerned about getting the flu despite the high hospitalization rates in seniors, highlighting the need for further education about the seriousness of the flu; and
While most seniors (88%) take a proactive approach to their health, about as many are not confident in their knowledge of the flu and where to get flu information.
Light, currently starring in the upcoming Broadway play “Therese Raquin” and the Golden Globe-winning show Transparent, is appearing this fall in a new public service announcement in support of the campaign.
“I turned 65 last year, and even though I still feel healthy and active, I know people my age are more susceptible to the flu and its complications,” Light said. “If you're 65 or older like me, talk to your health care provider about your flu vaccine options, and get vaccinated early before it's too late.”