Every winter, the flu sweeps across Indiana, bringing symptoms — fever, chills, body aches, runny nose — that are uncomfortable for some and deadly for others.
At least six Hoosiers over the age of 65 have died from the virus this year, according to the Indiana Department of Health.
“The most effective way to protect yourself and the people around you is to get vaccinated,” said Dr. James Bien, chief medical officer at Jane Pauley Community Health Center, which offers health care to Indianapolis patients regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay.
About half of the adults in Indiana were vaccinated for the flu in 2021-22, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. Those numbers were even lower in Marion County from 2022 to 2023. The breakdown by age group is:
- 6 months to 8 years: 26%
- 9 to 18: 18%
- 19 to 26: 11%
- 27 to 49: 13%
- 50 to 64: 26%
- 65 to 100: 34%
Experts agree that children, seniors and those with chronic diseases are at a higher risk for severe illness or death from the flu. With the holidays ahead, Bien said everyone should get vaccinated to stop the spread of the virus to vulnerable groups.
“It’s momentary discomfort,” he said. “Any side effects from the vaccine are evidence that your immune system is mounting the protection you want.”
You can set up a free flu shot appointment at your doctor’s office or local pharmacy. Use the Marion County Public Health Department’s website to locate a provider near you.
Mirror Indy reporter Mary Claire Molloy covers health. Reach her at maryclaire.molloy@mirrorindy.org. Follow her on X @mcmolloy7.
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