Flu vaccines more important than ever after severe 2024-25 season, experts warn

Thousands of local patients were treated for the flu during the 2024-25 flu season, and hundreds were hospitalized. Many of the hospitalizations could have been prevented if the patient had received a flu shot.

“I think it is vital that all community members, starting at age 6 months and older, get vaccinated against influenza," said Kevin Frank, M.D., FAAFP, vice chair of the department of medicine at Genesis HealthCare System. “Certain high-risk individuals should consider early vaccination, and patients age 65 and older should get the high-dose flu shot, as this will allow for improved protection against complications of influenza.

"Healthy individuals in our community should also get vaccinated to protect themselves and to reduce the transmission of the virus to those who are most vulnerable to complications. The 2024-25 flu season was one of the worst I've witnessed in my 25-year career. Let's all do our part this year and get vaccinated.”

Genesis HealthCare System, Muskingum Valley Health Centers, the Zanesville-Muskingum County Health Department and Rambo Health Clinic all agree with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that nearly everyone 6 months and older should get a flu shot each year.

The most vulnerable tend to be older adults, especially those age 65 and older; young children, especially those 6 months to 5 years old; families with a pregnant member; people with asthma, diabetes, heart disease or weak immune systems; and caregivers, health care workers and people in nursing homes.

It is recommended to get a flu shot in October each year. Flu shots are typically free with insurance and are available in numerous locations. For a list of where flu shots are available, visit www.genesishcs.org/flushots.