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Each flu season, flu causes millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands or sometimes tens of thousands of deaths. Vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors' visits, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations.

If you're pregnant, a flu shot is your best protection against serious flu illness. A flu shot can protect pregnant women, their unborn babies, and even the baby after birth.

Some people are at high risk for serious flu complications, including young children, older people, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions. Flu vaccination and the correct use of flu antiviral medicines are very important for those people.

Vaccination against flu is especially important for American Indians and Alaska Natives, who have been found to be at higher risk for complications from the flu. Protect yourself and your community by getting a flu vaccine.

As long as flu viruses are spreading, it's not too late to get your flu vaccine.

A new bird flu virus, called H7N9 for short, is causing serious illness in people in China. Currently there is no ongoing person-to-person spread. Learn why and how CDC is being proactive about this virus.