'Scrubs' actress hired as spokeswoman for flu vaccination campaign

WASHINGTON — Just days after Sanofi Pasteur's hiring of actor Chris O'Donnell as a celebrity spokesman for its flu vaccination campaign, the American Lung Association has hired actress Sarah Chalke for its campaign, for which it is also collaborating with Sanofi Pasteur.

The American Lung Association announced the enlistment of Chalke for its "Faces of Influenza" initiative to promote flu immunizations. Chalke, a cast member of the show Scrubs and a mother, will be the spokeswoman for the campaign during the 2012-2013 season.

"Like all mothers, I do whatever I can to keep my child healthy, and an important part of this is having him immunized against the flu," Chalke said. "And, to make sure the people in my son's life don't spread the virus to him, my family and I have all gotten our flu shots and will continue getting immunized every year."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends annual flu shots for everyone 6 months and older, particularly pregnant women and people ages 50 years and older, who are at higher risk of developing complications. Children ages 6 months through 8 years receiving the shot for the first time should receive two doses approximately one month apart for optimal protection, according to the CDC.

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