NBPS Flu Updates and Resources

FLU Updates and Resources

Dear NBPS students and families,

With influenza (flu) activity increasing nationally, and troubling early data showing drops in flu vaccine uptake this season, CDC has issued an urgent reminder about the importance of vaccinating for flu. Hospitalization rates in kids are among the highest seen at this time in about a decade so far this season.

Getting a flu shot is the most important action a person can take to prevent flu and its potentially serious complications. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine as soon as possible. Encourage flu vaccination by sharing the following messages and resources with patients, especially those at higher risk, and those with parents of young children.

The flu vaccine:

• Reduces the risk of flu illness

• Can make illness less severe among people who get vaccinated, but still get sick with flu, reducing the risk of serious flu complications, such as hospitalization

• Can be given at the same time as a COVID-19 vaccine, for people who are due for both

• Protects against four different flu viruses - even if a patient has already gotten flu, other flu viruses are circulating and it’s possible to get flu more than once a season

Groups at higher risk of serious illness from flu include:

Adults 65 Years and Older

• Nine out of 10 people hospitalized with flu in recent years had at least one underlying health condition (Asthma, Heart Disease & Stroke, Diabetes, Chronic Kidney Disease)

Children under 5

• Flu is more dangerous than the common cold for children, and healthy children 5 years and older can spread flu to vulnerable family members like infants younger than 6 months and adults over 65

During Pregnancy

• Due to changes to the immune system, heart, and lungs during pregnancy make people more susceptible to potentially serious flu complications. Flu may also be harmful for a developing baby.

Resources

• MDPH Influenza Vaccine Guidelines and Tools

• FluView: Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report

• CDC: Shareable flu vaccination resources

• Find a flu vaccine near you

• Flu messages messaging for people with chronic diseases

• ACIP Flu Vaccine Recommendations

• CDC: Make a Strong Flu Vaccine Recommendation

• Follow DPH on Twitter

Questions?

• For questions about influenza please call the DPH Immunization Division at 617-983-6800 or your local board of health.

• For questions about state-supplied influenza vaccine, please call the DPH Vaccine Unit at 617-983-6828.