Flu Season Sample Messaging and Resources for 2023–24
Last year we experienced an early and severe respiratory virus season with very high levels of seasonal influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections across the United States. We also saw the highest number of pediatric deaths associated with influenza since the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, influenza vaccination rates decreased over 15% among pregnant individuals, eroding years of progress towards increasing vaccination rates in this population. Ensuring that patients receive routine vaccinations, including an annual influenza vaccine, is imperative to keeping communities healthy. As such, it is critical that all patients, especially those who are pregnant, receive an influenza vaccine this fall. Remember, your strong recommendation and offer of vaccination are key factors in whether your patients get vaccinated.
ACOG's immunization department and leadership has distributed a letter to the members of the ACOG Council of District chairs to encourage and remind members to protect themselves and their patients against influenza. Read the full letter and access talking points members can use to assist them in communicating the importance of influenza vaccination below.
2023–24 Sample Messages
This flu season, ACOG encourages you to lead by example by educating and vaccinating yourself, your staff, and your patients against influenza. Use the following sample messages to share the importance of getting vaccinated.
Strategies | 2023–24 Sample Messages |
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Addressing patient’s questions and concerns in the context of influenza and COVID-19 vaccination viruses in plain and understandable language. |
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Educate all patients, including pregnant patients, about the safety and benefits of vaccination and the severity of influenza. |
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Strongly recommend and offer flu shots to all patients, particularly pregnant patients as the vaccine becomes available. |
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Encourage flu vaccine administration before flu activity begins in your community, ideally before the end of October. |
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Inform your patients that flu vaccine reduces the burden of illness on our communities and can reduce the burden on the health care system. |
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Inform your patients that flu and COVID-19 vaccines reduce the burden of illness on our communities and also reduce the burden on the health care system. |
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2023–24 Influenza Resources
To help you take these steps, ACOG and CDC have a multitude of resources on influenza and influenza vaccination.
ACOG Clinical Resources
- Practice Advisory: Maternal Immunization
- Committee Opinion 772: Immunization Implementation Strategies for Obstetrician–Gynecologists
- COVID-19 Vaccines and Pregnancy: Conversation Guide for Clinicians
- Immunization for Pregnant Women: A Call to Action
- Influenza Vaccination during Pregnancy Tool Kit
- Practice Advisory: COVID-19 Vaccination Considerations for Obstetric–Gynecologic Care
- Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programs Tip Sheet
- Seasonal Influenza FAQs for Obstetrician–Gynecologists
ACOG Patient Resources
- Infographic: Pregnant? Top 3 Reasons Why You Need a COVID-19 Vaccine (Léalo en español)
- Infographic: Pregnant? Top 3 Reasons Why You Need the Flu Vaccine (Léalo en español)
- Video: Get Your Recommended Vaccines During Pregnancy
- Video: Get Your Recommended COVID-19 Vaccine During Pregnancy (Véalo en español)
- Video: Get Your Recommended Flu Vaccine During Pregnancy
- Influenza (flu) Vaccine and Pregnancy FAQs for Patients