Flu Season Sample Messaging and Resources for 2021-22
Last year we experienced unprecedently low influenza activity across the country. This is likely due to individuals taking preventive precautions during the pandemic, such as frequent hand washing, mask wearing, and staying home. This year as we begin to resume our usual late-summer and fall activities it is likely that we will start to see the reemergence of respiratory illnesses, including influenza. And as we have seen, COVID-19 is still circulating across the country. Ensuring that patients receive routine vaccinations is imperative to keeping communities healthy. As such, it is critical that all patients, especially those who are pregnant, receive an influenza (flu) vaccine this fall.
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.
2021-22 Sample Messages and Resources
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 | 2021-22 Sample Messages |
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In the context of co-circulation of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses, address patient questions and concerns about both vaccines 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 and COVID-19 disease. |
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Strongly recommend and offer flu shots to all patients in your practice, particularly pregnant patients. Flu shots can and should be given as soon as the vaccine is available. |
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Strongly recommend COVID-19 vaccination for all patients, including pregnant patients. COVID-19 vaccination should occur as soon as possible to prevent illness. |
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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 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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Encourage all patients to follow preventative measures. |
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To help you take these steps, ACOG and CDC have a multitude of resources on influenza and influenza vaccination.
ACOG Resources
- Immunization for Pregnant Women: A Call to Action
- Committee Opinion 732: Influenza Vaccination During Pregnancy
- Practice Advisory: COVID-19 Vaccination Considerations for Obstetric–Gynecologic Care
- Committee Opinion 772: Immunization Implementation Strategies for Obstetrician–Gynecologists
- COVID-19 Vaccines and Pregnancy: Conversation Guide for Clinicians
- Committee Opinion 753: Assessment and Treatment of Pregnant Women with Suspected or Confirmed Influenza
- Influenza Season Assessment and Treatment for Pregnant Women with Influenza Like Illness Algorithm
- Influenza Vaccination during Pregnancy Tool Kit
- Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programs Tip Sheet
- Downloadable Infographic: Pregnant? Top 3 Reasons Why You Need the Flu Vaccine (Available in Spanish and printable formats)
- Explainer Video: Get Your Recommended Flu Vaccine during Pregnancy
- Seasonal Influenza FAQs for Obstetrician–Gynecologists
- Influenza (flu) Vaccine and Pregnancy FAQs for Patients