Influenza vaccination is an important patient safety issue. Unvaccinated healthcare professionals can spread influenza to patients, coworkers, and family members, leading to influenza-related illnesses and deaths. This is particularly troublesome for the vulnerable patients in their care, who may be at increased risk of severe complications. For these reasons, it is imperative that all healthcare professionals receive an annual influenza vaccine. The materials in this section support the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations, explain why vaccination for healthcare professionals plays a critical role in protecting patients from the influenza virus, and include tools for healthcare professional outreach. As a healthcare professional, it is up to you to start the “influenza” dialogue regarding annual influenza vaccination recommendations. It is your duty to provide parents and caregivers with the information they need to make an informed choice – the choice to have their children vaccinated against the leading cause of vaccine-preventable death in the US. It is also important to set an example to parents by getting vaccinated yourself and making sure that your office staff is vaccinated each year. Patients look to their healthcare professional as a trusted source of information. The resources below will help you reach patients and their caregivers. Healthcare Professionals' Influenza Vaccination Commitment
We urge healthcare professionals to make their support of influenza vaccination known by displaying this statement in their practices and on their websites. Two statements are available, one for display where vaccination is offered; the other for display where vaccination is not offered but is strongly encouraged.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): E-card that can be sent to pregnant women reminding them to getting vaccinated against the flu
Responses to common questions parents may have about influenza vaccination
Facts about influenza and the importance of annual vaccination for healthcare professionals
National Foundation for Infectious Diseases live professional development
National Foundation for Infectious Diseases online professional development (including complimentary webinars)
Sample on-hold messages to remind patients about the importance of influenza vaccination
National Association of School Nurses (NASN): School nurses play a key role in getting the word out about influenza vaccination. Stay informed with resources tailored for healthcare professionals who work in schools
Sample scripts and suggestions to help providers talk about the number of influenza doses required and remind parents to bring their child back for a second dose as necessary
Customizable letter for healthcare professionals to send patients reminding them to get vaccinated
Customizable postcard to remind patients to make an appointment to get vaccinated
Customizable article for healthcare professionals to use in their office to provide parents with information about influenza and the importance of vaccination for their children
Sample outgoing voicemail messages reminding patients about the importance of annual influenza vaccination
Poster for use in waiting rooms with facts about influenza and vaccination