The American Nurses Association is teaming with actress Rita Wilson to urge 200 million Americans to get their flu shots — soon.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), getting the annual flu vaccine is more important than ever.  That’s why the ANA and Wilson have created The Race to 200M, a national program aimed especially at the 200 million people over the age of 50 and individuals who have chronic health conditions.

The danger is especially high as the 2020-2021 flu season collides with COVID-19, threatening to overwhelm the health care system as a whole.

Wilson, who along with her husband, Tom Hanks, was among the first high-profile names to be diagnosed with COVID-19, is eager to do what she can to help the public to stay healthy and ease the burden on health care workers.

“I had COVID-19 and I know firsthand the critical role of our health care providers, especially nurses,” Wilson says. “During this unprecedented time, we should all do our part to take flu preventative measures — including getting a flu shot —to help reduce the strain on our health care system. I am getting my flu shot and I encourage you to do the same. Together, we can make a difference.”

ANA President Ernest Grant, PhD, RN, FAAN, adds: “We have seen the crippling impact of COVID-19 on our health care system. This year, more than ever, we encourage every nurse to be vaccinated against the flu, and for all Americans to speak to a health care professional about how to safely get vaccinated, to protect their health and lessen the overall impact on our health care system.”

The Race to 200K website hosts answers to frequently asked questions and a locator tool to help members of the public find where they can be vaccinated. As the site states plainly: Frontline workers and hospitals in your region are depending on you to get your flu shot.