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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

Addressing patient's questions and concerns in the context of co-circulation of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses in plain and understandable language.
  • Flu and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses and are caused by different viruses. There are different vaccines for flu and COVID-19.
  • Getting a flu vaccine will not protect you against COVID-19 however, it will provide other benefits like lowering the risk of flu-related illness and hospitalizations.
  • You cannot get the flu from a flu shot. Flu vaccines have been shown to be very safe.
  • You cannot get COVID-19 from a COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccines are very safe and effective.
  • Because your protection from a flu vaccine declines over time, a flu vaccination each year is the best protection available against the flu.
  • Because your protection from a COVID-19 vaccine declines over time, a single booster is recommended for everyone 5 years and older, including pregnant individuals.

Educate all patients, including pregnant patients, about the safety and benefits of vaccination and the severity of influenza and COVID-19 disease.
  • The flu vaccine is especially important for pregnant patients. Pregnant patients can be at higher risk of getting very sick from the flu.
  • The flu shot helps protect you and your baby from flu illness for several months after their birth, before they are old enough to be vaccinated.
  • Pregnant patients are at an increased risk of getting severely ill from COVID-19.
  • COVID-19 vaccination can protect you from getting severely ill as a result of COVID-19 infection.

Strongly recommend and offer flu shots to all patients, particularly pregnant patients as the vaccine is available.
  • I strongly recommend you get a flu shot while you are in the office today. Getting the flu shot today will help protect you against the flu and help you avoid making an extra visit to this or another health care facility in the future.

Strongly recommend COVID19 vaccination for all patients, including pregnant patients, as soon as possible to prevent illness.
  • I strongly recommend you get a COVID-19 vaccine today. Getting the shot is safe and will help protect you against COVID-19. It will help keep you and your family healthy and safe from this potentially serious disease.
  • COVID-19 vaccines may be administered simultaneously with other vaccines, including within 14 days of receipt of another vaccine. This includes vaccines routinely administered during pregnancy, such as flu and Tdap.

Encourage flu vaccine administration before flu activity begins in your community, ideally before the end of October.
  • The best time to get a flu vaccine is before the end of October. However, as long as flu viruses are circulating you can get vaccinated.

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.
  • The flu and COVID-19 vaccines may also help you avoid unnecessary doctor appointments. This helps limit your risk of exposure to respiratory germs and may also protect people around you.

Encourage all patients to follow preventative measures.
  • Take everyday precautions, like washing your hands, avoiding people who are sick, and wearing your mask, particularly if you are not fully vaccinated, to protect your health and that of your family.

 

To help you take these steps, ACOG and CDC have a multitude of resources on influenza and influenza vaccination.

ACOG Clinical Resources

ACOG Patient Resources

CDC Resources