Officials urging Arizonans to get flu shots

PHOENIX — Health officials are continuing to urge the public to get an influenza vaccine in light of recent data released by the Center for Disease Control.

In 2012, only 45 percent of Americans got a vaccine.

“Unfortunately, Arizona was below the national average at 38 percent, far short of the 70 percent goal we are trying to achieve,” said Michael Young, a flue expert with the CDC.

According to CDC statistics, anywhere from 3,000 to 50,000 people die every year from the flu.