<p>Flu Shots Also Protect Those with Compromised Immune Systems</p><p>The recent focus on the horrific toll Ebola has taken has created great concern throughout the country about communicable diseases. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for Ebola. However, this crisis has raised awareness about the importance of immunizations. Even though a flu shot is available, more people die from influenza than Ebola. Getting a flu shot not only protects the individual, but it also helps protect the health of those with compromised immune systems, who are at serious risk when they get the flu. </p><p>The Immune Deficiency Foundation (IDF) represents people in the U.S. with primary immunodeficiencies, a group of more than 200 rare but serious conditions where the immune system is absent or functions improperly. Our population, along with the elderly, infants, those fighting cancer or autoimmune diseases with immune-suppressing chemotherapy and those for whom vaccines do not work, are all at a higher risk of severe illness and even death if they get the flu.</p><p>It is easy to protect yourself by getting vaccinated and, at the same time, protect these more vulnerable neighbors who are unable to directly benefit from the vaccine because of their weakened immune systems. </p><p>If all appropriate people in a community get a flu shot, we can create a “protective cocoon” of immunized persons surrounding those with compromised immune systems so that they have less chance of being exposed. We urge employers and schools to provide influenza immunization programs to extend this “cocoon.”</p><p>That herd immunity – where nearly everyone in the community is vaccinated – is the best way to protect those whose immune systems are fragile. Getting a flu shot is an act of kindness. Please get a flu shot, and protect not only yourself but also those in your community whose immune systems are at risk.</p><p>My name is (insert your name) from (insert your town, state) and am a volunteer for the Immune Deficiency Foundation. (Include a brief personal story if you wish, approximately 3-4 sentences).</p><p>For more information about the Immune Deficiency Foundation and primary immunodeficiency diseases, visit www.primaryimmune.org.</p>