FLU IMMUNIZATION CAMPAIGN

Pediatric health care providers play a significant role in ensuring all children receive the annual flu vaccine. This is more important than ever, given the overlapping symptoms of COVID-19 and flu and the risk of overburdening our health care system. Every patient visit is an opportunity to promote flu vaccination and to strengthen relationships with families to encourage vaccine confidence.

Below are resources to help providers and families increase flu vaccination rates in your community.

A Letter to Providers

Resources for Providers

Resources for Families

Flu Vaccine: Get the Facts (CDC): for families who want additional information, have questions, or decline influenza vaccination at first recommendation. This resource will provide context to the efficacy of the influenza vaccine and highlight its safety.
The Flu: A Guide for Parents (CDC): helps parents understand the risks of flu and what they can do to protect their children. This FAQ guide provides clear answers to questions about flu symptoms, vaccine safety, and treatment.
Healthychildren.org (AAP): information about flu symptoms, prevention and vaccination, and treatment for parents.
Families Fighting Flu (FFF): organization devoted to sharing facts, resources, and support to help families better understand the severity of flu
I Protect: IL coalition that aims to educate parents on the facts around vaccinations to help parents feel comfortable and confident in making the right decision for their child
Flu Campaign Livestream Radio Messages: as a part of the 2020-2021 flu campaign, ICAAP is working with Edelman (public relations firm) to launch livestream messages to play on Spotify this fall to share how important it is to get the flu vaccine this year. Be sure to check this page again in mid-November to access and share the messages when they go live!

Why It's So Important for Families to Get Vaccinated Against the Flu

The influenza virus is highly contagious and can be serious - even deadly - regardless of age or how healthy an individual might be.

Learn more by visiting: https://www.familiesfightingflu.org/flu-facts-what-is-flu/

Some people, including older adults, infants, or individuals with weakened immune systems, are at higher risk of the flu or COVID-19 and cannot receive immunizations at all.

Learn more by visiting: https://www.vaccines.gov/basics/work/protection/index.html

When the community around us is vaccinated, we're all much safer from preventable disease.

Learn more by visiting: https://www.vaccines.gov/basics/work/protection/index.html

Immunizations are some of the most thoroughly tested medical products available in the U.S.

Learn more by visiting: https://64gbq3vj11cj33l2zkxvv10k-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/VYF-Handout_For-patients_How-Do-We-Know-Vaccines-are-Safe_August2018.pdf

The benefits of receiving a flu vaccine far outweigh the potential risks of contracting the flu.

Learn more by visiting: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/vaccine-benefits.htm

Studies have shown flu vaccination reduced the risk of flu-associated death by over half among children with underlying high-risk medical conditions and by nearly two-thirds (65 percent) among healthy children.

Learn more by visiting: https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/139/5/e20164244

How Families Can Protect Themselves From the Flu

Getting vaccinated, in addition to following proper hand washing, mask wearing, and social distancing guidelines will help protect you, your family, your community and the most vulnerable among us during this pandemic and flu season.

It is important for parents to talk to their trusted pediatric providers about vaccines, understand the benefits and resources for flu vaccinations, and make an informed decision for their family.

There are multiple ways Illinoisans and Chicagoans can receive their flu vaccine:

Via your family's trusted health care providers - call them today to find out more!
The Illinois Department of Public Health recommends Illinois families check the online Vaccine Finder tool to find the closest location offering flu shots.
Local pharmacies including Walgreens and CVS, local colleges and universities, and outdoor park/recreational areas are setting up safe, socially distanced clinics for flu shots this year.
The Chicago Department of Public Health has listed 50 community flu clinics that are offering flu shots at no cost for adults and children aged 6 months and older.

Partner Organization Flu Campaigns

Social Media Messages

The CDC and AAP recommend that everyone gets their flu shot by the end of October this year. Find resources to support having this important conversation with families, here: https://bit.ly/2HsoNwd

Help parents get their flu vaccine! Families can check the National Vaccine Finder (https://vaccinefinder.org/) to find the closest location. The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has listed 50 community flu clinics offering flu shots at no cost for adults in Chicago: https://bit.ly/2T5mphm

Getting vaccinated, proper hand washing, following social distancing guidelines, and mask wearing will help protect you, your family, your community, and the most vulnerable among us during this pandemic and flu season.

Studies have shown flu vaccination reduced the risk of flu-associated death by over half among children with underlying high-risk medical conditions and by nearly two-thirds (65 percent) among healthy children. Don't delay – talk to your pediatrician about the flu shot today!

COVID-19 continues to spread, making this flu season potentially one of the most dangerous in decades. Though parents may feel hesitant about medical visits, vaccines and well-child visits are essential and medical offices are taking safety precautions. Call about a flu shot today!

Hickory, dicory, dock the mouse went...to get the Flu shot! Try a new nursery rhyme this year. Schedule a well-visit today for the flu vaccine. It provides your child protection from illnesses related to the virus. https://bit.ly/30Xv7lk

Hey diddle diddle, the cat and the fiddle, the cow jumped right over…to the pediatrician’s office for a flu shot! Try a new nursery rhyme this year. Schedule a well-visit today for your child to receive flu vaccine. It provides your child protection from illnesses related to the flu virus. https://bit.ly/30Xv7lk

Old Mac Donald had a farm, E-I-E-I-O, And on his farm he had a cow…who he took for a well-visit! Try a new nursery rhyme this year. Schedule a well-visit today for your child to receive flu vaccine. It provides your child protection from illnesses related to the flu virus. https://bit.ly/3i3CrD5

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