NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Despite being atincreased risk for influenza-related complications, almosttwo-thirds of people with asthma in the US are not vaccinatedagainst influenza each year, according to an analysis of data fromthe 2005-2006 flu season.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommendedsince 1964 that all persons with asthma get a flu shot, becausethey’re prone to complications if they do catch influenza.

“This report presents the first estimates of influenzavaccination coverage in the US among the civilian,noninstitutionalized population of persons with asthma andreinforces the need to increase vaccination throughout this at-riskpopulation,” investigators from the Centers for Disease Control andPrevention emphasize.