CHICAGO (WBBM) - The federal government says too few people are getting flu shots in this country and that Illinois is below the national average when it comes to getting flu shots.

WBBM's Steve Miller reports.

As flu season begins, the Centers for Disease Control has a message for people: Get vaccinated.

The CDC says the national average is lower than it should be.  Meaning, more people should be getting flu shots.

And here in Illinois?  We're below the national average, especially among children. 

Dr. Sudip Bose, attending emergency physician at Advocate Christ Medical Center, says everybody should get a flu shot, including people in their 20s or 30s who are in good health.

"There's a larger societal gain where these younger patients, these 20-year-olds, can still spread the flu to susceptible populations.  They can spread it to their grandparents.  They can spread it to younger kids.

"And there's a larger contribution you can make by getting a flu vaccine, more than just helping yourself."

The CDC says there should be more than an adequate supply of vaccine.

On the Net:
www.idph.state.il.us/flu/fluhome.htm
www.cdc.gov