Los Angeles, California (NAPSI) - Actor Chris O’Donnell, star of “NCIS: Los Angeles,” knows the single most important thing adults can do to help prevent getting or spreading the flu is to receive their annual flu vaccination. However, Chris admits getting a flu shot can sometimes make him a little anxious. He may not be the only one.

On average, only a third of adults 18 through 64 years of age get a flu shot, despite the fact that each year in the U.S., one in five people, or up to 20 percent of the population gets the flu. On average, influenza and its related complications result in approximately 226,000 hospitalizations.

“Living in a household with five kids, I understand the importance of getting my flu shot,” said O’Donnell. “Getting vaccinated is the single most important thing adults can do to help prevent getting or spreading the flu. However, many adults remain unprotected from this serious disease. My hope is that through increased awareness and education, more adults will take steps to help protect themselves and their loved ones by getting their flu shot.”

Chris joined Sanofi Pasteur to help raise awareness about vaccine options available for adults to address the historically low immunization rates among this population.

Results from a recent telephone survey of 663 adults revealed that 53 percent of adults 18 through 64 years of age who were vaccinated annually reported that their vaccination experience would be better if the needle was much smaller, and 65 percent said their experience would be better if access to the flu shot was more convenient.

“When my doctor and I talked this year about what may make my experience a good one, we determined Fluzone® Intradermal vaccine was the best option for me. The device has a needle smaller than a grain of rice, which for me, made a big difference,” said O’Donnell.

Fluzone Intradermal vaccine is the only FDA-approved intradermal flu vaccine for adults 18 through 64 years of age in theUnited States. The microneedle has an ultrathin tip only 1.5mm long—the same as the thickness of a U.S. penny.

To find out where Fluzone Intradermal vaccine is available in your area, visit www.Fluzone.com or talk to your health care provider or pharmacist for more information.

About Fluzone Intradermal Vaccine

Indication

Fluzone Intradermal vaccine is an inactivated influenza virus vaccine given to people 18 through 64 years of age for active immunization against influenza disease caused by influenza virus subtypes A and type B contained in the vaccine.

Safety Information

Redness, firmness, swelling and itching at the injection site occur more frequently with Fluzone Intradermal vaccine than with Fluzone vaccine. Other common side effects to Fluzone Intradermal vaccine include pain, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches. Side effects other than those listed above may occur. Fluzone Intradermal vaccine should not be administered to anyone with a severe allergic reaction to any vaccine component, including eggs, egg products.