Flu Season Sample Messaging and Resources for 2022-23
Last year we continued to experience very 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. In fact, in other parts of the world where influenza season occurs earlier, increased levels of influenza infections are being reported. 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.
2022-23 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 | 2022-23 Sample Messages |
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Addressing patient's questions and concerns in the context of co-circulation of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 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 and COVID-19 disease. |
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Strongly recommend and offer flu shots to all patients, particularly pregnant patients as the vaccine is available. |
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Strongly recommend COVID19 vaccination for all patients, including pregnant patients, 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 Clinical Resources
- Committee Opinion 732: Influenza Vaccination During Pregnancy
- Committee Opinion 753: Assessment and Treatment of Pregnant Women with Suspected or Confirmed Influenza
- 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
- FAQs: The Flu Vaccine and Pregnancy