National Influenza Vaccination Week

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National​ Influenza Vaccination Week


This year, National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) is December 3-9, 2017. The NIVW provides an opportunity for public health professionals, health care profes​​​sionals, health advocates, communities, and families from across the country to work together to promote flu vaccination before the traditional winter peak in flu activity. Flu seasons are unpredictable and can begin early in the fall and last late into the spring. By focusing on one week in early December, partners can bring together resources and reach people before flu season swings into full gear.​

    Key Points to Share with Families

    Flu

    • The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.
    • People of every age, including people in good health, are at risk of flu.
      Influenza can cause illness and sometimes severe disease in persons of any age.
    • ​Flu causes millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands or tens of thousands of deaths each year in the United States.
    • Although a majority of hospitalizations and deaths occur in people 65 years and older, even healthy young children and younger adults can have severe disease or even die from influenza.
    • Over 100 pediatric deaths from influenza were reported to CDC last season.​

    Flu Vaccination

    • ​An annual flu vaccine is the best way to protect against this potentially serious disease.
      • ​Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctor visits, missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations.
      • Flu vaccination also may make your illness milder if you do get sick.
      • Getting vaccinated yourself protects people around you, including those who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness, like babies and young children, older people, and people with certain chronic health conditions.
    • ​Despite the unpredictable nature of the flu, you should know:
      • ​You need the 2017-2018 flu vaccine for optimal protection against the flu this season because:
        • Flu viruses are constantly changing, and this season’s vaccines have been updated to protect against the viruses that surveillance data indicate will be most common this flu season, and
        • A person’s immune protection from vaccine declines over time so annual flu vaccination is needed for the best protection against the flu.
      • ​It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body that protect against influenza virus infection.
      • While seasonal flu outbreaks can happen as early as October, flu activity is usually highest between December and February, though activity can last as late as May. As long as flu viruses are circulating, it’s not too late to get vaccinated, even in January or later.
      • With flu activity increasing and family and friends planning gatherings for the holidays, now is a great time to get a flu vaccine if you haven’t been vaccinated yet this season. A flu vaccine can protect you and your loved ones from the flu.
      • Find a place near you to get a flu vaccine with the HealthMap Vaccine Finder.​

    Some Children May Need 2 Doses

    Some children may need two doses of flu vaccine this season to be fully protected. Children younger than 9 years old who are getting vaccinated for the first time will need two doses of vaccine. Some children who have received influenza vaccine previously also will need two doses of vaccine this season to be fully protected. Healthcare providers can tell families if their child needs two doses.

    Posters
    Other Resources
    Resources to Share with Childcare Providers

 Resources
  • The Immunization Schedule
    New for 2018! Click here for the current schedule recommended by the CDC, AAP, AAFP, and ACOG.
  • Information for Parents
    Visit HealthyChildren.org, the AAP parenting website, for information for families about immunizations.
  • Tools for Vaccine Conversations
    The CDC offers Provider Resources for Vaccine Conversations with Parents, to help you navigate communication with parents.

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