- Zack Yaksich
Father Who Lost His 5-year-old Daughter to Influenza-related Complications
- “Parents need to know that it’s so important to get their family vaccinated against influenza every single year,” Zack said. “My family has joined the American Lung Association’s Faces of Influenza program to help send out this important message.”
In February 2003, tragedy struck Zack and his family when his 5-year-old daughter Alana passed away in the hospital because of complications of influenza. Alana had not been vaccinated against the disease, and children typically experience the highest rates of influenza infection each year.1 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with the support of leading health experts, recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older be immunized, so Zack and his wife now make sure their entire family gets immunized every year.1 They also work to educate others about the importance of getting vaccinated, as annual vaccination is the best way to help prevent influenza and its complications.
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