Vaccines manufacturer Sanofi Pasteur in July 2017 announced that its first doses of its range of influenza (“flu”) vaccines for the 2017-2018 flu season have been released by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Shipments will begin in early August to support fall immunization campaigns.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the single best way to prevent the flu is to get an annual flu vaccination, which is recommended for everyone six months of age and older, with rare exception. The CDC recommends receiving the vaccine as soon as it is available to help with prevention even before the season begins.

On the same topic, Global Benefits Vision in October 2016 published an in-depth article by GEB chief technical officer Vittorio Zaniboni,  Flu Vaccine: An Investment in Your Health or an Unnecessary Risk?

Influenza is a serious respiratory illness that is easily spread and can lead to severe complications, even death. Each year, up to 20 percent of U.S. residents acquire influenza, and many will seek outpatient medical care. In the 2015-2016 influenza season, the CDC estimated 25 million flu illnesses, 11 million flu-associated medical visits and more than 300,000 flu-associated hospitalizations. Adults 65 years of age and older typically account for 50 to 70 percent of flu-related hospitalizations and 70 to 90 percent of flu-related deaths.