Kristi Yamaguchi

Olympic Gold Medalist and Mother of Two Children Under 5 Years of Age

Olympic Gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi takes her career as a figure skater seriously. Yet, since her Olympic victory and experience as an American role model, she has taken on an even more serious role in life-a mother. As the mother of two children under 5 years of age, Kristi knows that influenza immunization is a must for everyone in her family.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends annual influenza vaccination for women who will be pregnant during influenza season, for children 6 to 59 months of age as well as for those in close contact with them.¹ Close contacts include parents, grandparents, siblings, babysitters, and day care providers. All children over 6 months of age who have a chronic medical condition, like asthma or diabetes, should also be vaccinated annually.¹

“Last fall when Emma was born, my doctor gave me an influenza vaccination before I left the hospital to help prevent spreading this serious disease to my newborn infant,” said Kristi. Children under 6 months of age are too young to receive the vaccine, but those around them should be immunized to prevent the spread of the influenza virus.

“My doctor stresses the importance of annual influenza vaccination to maintain my health, as an athlete. But now as a mother, I realize my whole family needs to be immunized, and that's a responsibility that I take seriously.”