December 4 – 8 is National Influenza Vaccination Week and December 5-11 is Handwashing Awareness Week! With holiday gatherings quickly approaching, let’s make sure our patients are protected against flu before they gather with their loved ones.

Levels of influenza are incrementally increasing, so  now is the time to support  preventive measures like vaccination and encouraging handwashing.

Data show lower vaccination rates this year as compared with last year, leaving those unprotected more vulnerable to serious flu illness.

A flu vaccine can take flu from wild to mild! Stress to your patients that getting vaccinated against the flu is especially important for those at high-risk of severe disease and hospitalization:

•  "Flu season is upon us and everyone 6 months of age and older is recommended to get vaccinated against flu, especially babies, pregnant people, older adults, and those who are most at risk for getting very sick."
• "Children 6 months to 8 years of age getting flu vaccines for the first time need 2 doses 4 weeks apart for best protection. Make sure your child is fully protected and make an appointment with your office today!"
• "We need updated vaccines to keep our immune systems healthy and strong. Older adults and pregnant people are more likely to get very sick from flu, RSV, and COVID-19. So, it is important for them to get vaccinated."