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Vaccinations can reduce hospitalization risk from respiratory illnesses

Respiratory illnesses like the flu continue to be high or very high across 38 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Dr. Frank LoVecchio of Valleywise Health says getting vaccinated can dramatically decrease the chance of hospitalization.

“Even little things like requiring oxygen, you know, about a 50% drop, and being admitted to the ICU, intensive care unit, about a 70% drop," he said.

LoVecchio says a person’s age has a big impact on the effectiveness of vaccines.

In general, the younger someone is, the greater the protection is.

Ignacio Ventura is a reporter for KJZZ. He graduated from the University of Southern California with a bachelor’s degree in creative writing and a minor in news media and society.