National Influenza Vaccination Week, December 4-8, 2023

Ask the BIZS (Bureau of Immunization Services) Experts

Clinical answers to vaccine questions

National Influenza Vaccination Week, December 4-8, 2023

National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) from December 4-8, 2023, is a critical opportunity to remind everyone 6 months and older that there’s still time to protect themselves and their loved ones from flu this flu season by getting their annual flu vaccine if they have not already. CDC data shows that flu vaccination coverage was lower last season, especially among certain higher-risk groups, such as pregnant people and children. When you get a flu vaccine, you reduce your risk of illness and flu-related hospitalization if you do get sick. This week is meant to remind people that there is still time to benefit from the first and most important action in preventing flu illness and potentially serious flu complications: get a flu vaccine today.

Make a Strong Influenza Vaccine Recommendation (SHARE)

It is important that all patients receive a strong recommendation for vaccination from their provider. CDC suggests using the SHARE method to make a strong vaccine recommendation and provide important information to help patients make informed decisions about vaccinations:

SHARE the reasons why an influenza vaccine is right for the patient, given their age, health status, lifestyle, occupation, or other risk factors.

HIGHLIGHT positive experiences with influenza vaccines (personal or in your practice), as appropriate, to reinforce the benefits and strengthen confidence in influenza vaccination.

ADDRESS patient questions and any concerns about influenza vaccines, including side effects, safety, and vaccine effectiveness in plain and understandable language. Acknowledge that while people who get an influenza vaccine may still get sick, there are studies that show that illness may be less severe.

REMIND patients that influenza vaccines help protect them and their loved ones from serious influenza illness and complications that can result in hospitalization or even death for some people.

EXPLAIN the potential costs of getting influenza, including potential serious health effects for the patient, time lost (such as missing work or family obligations), financial costs, and potentially spreading influenza to more vulnerable family or friends.

Below are CDC NIVW resources, vaccination messages, and activities you can use to share key flu information with your networks.

1. Template Matte Release: Use our article to encourage flu vaccination ahead of the holiday season and throughout the winter on your website, blog or other channels. Or distribute or publish your own MAT release.

2. Sample Newsletter Blurb: Include our sample text copy in your email newsletter or other communications to let others know about NIVW and the upcoming activities.

3. Patient Reminder Messages: Remind patients at your practice to get their annual flu vaccine by sharing these messages through your patient portal or other reminders.

4. Social Media Messages: Use our suggested Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram graphics and copy to spread the word. Schedule content to remind your networks about the importance of flu vaccination throughout the week. Use #FightFlu to join the conversation all week long and tag us at @CDCFlu on Twitter.

5. Printable Posters: Share digitally or post our printable posters throughout your community, offices, or clinics.

We hope you will join us this year as we encourage everyone—especially pregnant people, children, and others at higher risk—to protect themselves and their loved ones from the flu this season by getting a flu vaccine.

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Below are CDC NIVW resources, vaccination messages, and activities you can use to share key flu information with your networks.

1. Template Matte Release: Use our article to encourage flu vaccination ahead of the holiday season and throughout the winter on your website, blog or other channels. Or distribute or publish your own MAT release.

2. Sample Newsletter Blurb: Include our sample text copy in your email newsletter or other communications to let others know about NIVW and the upcoming activities.

3. Patient Reminder Messages: Remind patients at your practice to get their annual flu vaccine by sharing these messages through your patient portal or other reminders.

4. Social Media Messages: Use our suggested Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram graphics and copy to spread the word. Schedule content to remind your networks about the importance of flu vaccination throughout the week. Use #FightFlu to join the conversation all week long and tag us at @CDCFlu on Twitter.

5. Printable Posters: Share digitally or post our printable posters throughout your community, offices, or clinics.

We hope you will join us this year as we encourage everyone—especially pregnant people, children, and others at higher risk—to protect themselves and their loved ones from the flu this season by getting a flu vaccine. The Bureau of Immunization Services (BIZS) has clinical staff available to assist with your immunization questions. Contact the following individuals (or your county health department) for assistance: Kate Whitman, MSE, BSN, Kathleen.Whitman@azdhs.gov, 480-259-5342 Sharon Sweeney, MPH, BSN, Sharon.Sweeney@azdhs.gov, 480-261-5557

Bureau of Immunization Services (BIZS) 150 N. 18th Ave, Suite 260 Phoenix, AZ 85007 Phone: 602-364-3630 Fax: 623-364-3285