Mario Linares
Older Adult Living with Type 2 Diabetes
Mario Linares, 60, has type 2 diabetes; a chronic medical condition that increases his risk for many serious complications, such as heart disease, blindness, nerve damage, and kidney damage.
“I've lived with diabetes for 12 years, but in all that time, no one ever told me I needed influenza vaccine. Not once.”
It wasn't until this portrait was taken that Mario learned influenza is particularly dangerous to diabetics and others with chronic metabolic disorders. He also had no idea his age puts him at further risk.
Health officials strongly recommend annual influenza immunization for all persons 50 years of age and older as well as those who have a chronic medical condition.1 Without protection, influenza can lead to other complications that could worsen his condition, put him in the hospital or even threaten his life.1
As a Hispanic, Mario also represents one of the ethnic and minority populations in the US, who still suffer significant disparities in health-care, including influenza immunization. In fact, Hispanics and African Americans have far lower influenza immunization rates when compared to other populations rates.
Mario now considers himself informed about the importance of annual influenza vaccination. “I told my wife and family what I have learned, and we all plan to get immunized before influenza season this and every year.”