You may have noticed more attention being paid to this year’s Flu season than in past years. That’s because rates were breaking records that had been set decades ago. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there have been at least 27,000,000 illnesses, 350,000 hospitalizations, and 22,000 deaths due to the Flu this season. There also have been 101 reported pediatric deaths that are flu related this season and 85% occurred in children who were not fully vaccinated against influenza.
Why it is Essential for Seniors to be Vaccinated
According to the National Council on Aging, those of us who are ages 65 and older bear the greatest burden of disease. “The CDC estimates that between 70-85% of seasonal flu-related deaths and between 50-70% of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations occur in older adults. There also have been 101 reported pediatric deaths that are flu related this season and 85% occurred in children who were not fully vaccinated against influenza.” For seniors with chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and lung, vaccinations are critical.
Record breaking Flu seasons, like this one, are reminders of how important vaccinations are in protecting ourselves from severe complications and the spread of respiratory diseases.
What Are Respiratory Diseases?
Respiratory diseases are illnesses that affect how you breathe. They can impact your lungs, throat, and airways.
Many respiratory diseases can spread from person to person through the air (like coughing or sneezing) or by touching surfaces or people who are sick.
Examples of respiratory diseases include:
- COVID-19
- The common cold
- Influenza (flu)
- Pneumonia
- Pertussis (whooping cough)
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
- Tuberculosis (TB)
Why Do They Matter?
Respiratory diseases can lead to serious illness, hospital stays, and even death.
According to the American Lung Association, some people are more likely to get very sick from respiratory diseases, including:
- Young children
- Older adults
- Pregnant people
- People with chronic health conditions (like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease)
Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of many serious respiratory diseases and protect those at higher risk.
How Vaccines Help Protect You?
Vaccines help your immune system learn how to fight germs safely.
After vaccination, your body builds protection (immunity) through antibodies, so it can respond quickly if you are exposed to the disease in the future.
This means:
- You are less likely to get seriously sick
- If you do get sick, your symptoms are usually milder
- You are less likely to spread illness to others
Why Are Some Vaccine Needed More Than Others?
Some viruses, like the flu, change over time.
Because of this, vaccines are updated to better match the current strains. Protection can also decrease over time, so getting vaccinated regularly helps keep you protected.
Key Vaccinations for Respiratory Disease
Some vaccines are recommended every year, while others are given at certain ages or for specific risk groups.
According to the American Lung Association, the following vaccines are recommended to protect against respiratory disease:
- COVID-19 vaccine
- Influenza (flu) vaccine
- Pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine
- Pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine (often given as part of Tdap)
- RSV vaccine (for certain groups, such as older adults and during pregnancy)
When to get vaccinated
For seasonal illnesses like the flu and COVID-19, it is best to get vaccinated in early fall (September or October), before illness starts spreading more widely.
Some vaccines can be given at the same visit, ask your healthcare provider what is right for you.
Talk to Your HCP to Assess Your Risks
Talk to a trusted healthcare provider about your risk for respiratory diseases and which vaccines are recommended for you. Staying up to date on vaccines helps protect you, your family, and your community.
Resources
American Lung Association. (n.d.). Infectious lung diseases. https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/infectious-lung-diseases
American Lung Association. (2026, February 18). Vaccines. https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/wellness/vaccines
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report: Key Updates for Week 9, Ending March 7, 2026. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/2026-week-09.html
New York State Department of Health. (2025, December 26). New York State Department of Health confirms most flu cases ever recorded in one week. https://www.health.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/2025-12-26_flu_cases.htm