National Influenza Vaccination Week December 2–6, 2024
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Nurses: CMS Office of Minority Health has just released vaccine resources for National Influenza Vaccination Week. Populations to focus on include Black, Hispanic, American Indian/Alaska Native adults and rural residents who experience greater vaccine disparity and increased risk of illness, hospitalization and death. Use these resources in your practice to support health equity for all populations under your care. See the CMS OMH Message below:
From December 2-6, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health (CMS OMH) marks National Influenza Vaccination Week by highlighting vaccine disparities and encouraging everyone to get their flu shot, which can reduce the risk of illness, hospitalization, and death.
From CMS Office of Minority Health:
“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that flu was associated with up to 75 million illnesses, 33 million medical visits, 900,000 hospitalizations, and 100,000 deaths during the 2023-2024 flu season. While everyone 6 months and older should receive a flu shot each year, people with a higher risk of serious complications from the flu—including pregnant people and children—should especially ensure that their vaccines are up to date. Black, Hispanic, and American Indian and Alaska Native adults are consistently less likely to get a flu shot, with fewer than half receiving their flu shot in 2021-2022. Rural residents are also less likely to get their flu shot than people in urban areas.
“Our Immunization and Vaccine Resources webpage has flu and vaccine information to help raise awareness this flu season. We encourage you to share these resources and the others listed below with those you serve during National Influenza Vaccination Week.
“Resources
- Visit our Immunization and Vaccine Resources webpage to learn more about flu vaccines for underserved populations, including materials in additional languages.
- Review our Annual Influenza Vaccination Disparities in Medicare Beneficiaries data snapshot to learn about who should get the flu vaccine and about flu shot disparities among Medicare fee-for-service enrollees.
- Download CMS postcards available in English, Spanish, and 14 additional languages to encourage members of your community to get their flu shots.
- Review our Coverage to Care Prevention Resources to learn about the services, including vaccines, that are available at no cost to adults under most health coverage. Resources are available in 8 different languages.
- Download Rural-Urban Disparities in Health Care in Medicare to learn more about rural-urban differences in health care experiences and clinical care received nationally, including disparities in flu vaccine uptake.
- Explore the CMS flu webpage for information, videos, and resources about the flu.
- View the CMS Respiratory Virus Vaccine Partner Toolkit to stay informed about CMS, CDC, and HHS resources available regarding flu, COVID-19, and RSV.
- Visit the CDC’s Cold Versus Flu webpage for more information on differentiating between the flu and a cold.
- Visit Vaccines.gov to find vaccination locations.
- Explore the CDC’s Misconceptions About Seasonal Flu and Flu Vaccines webpage, which addresses common misconceptions about the flu and flu shot.
“Learn about the HHS Risk Less. Do More. campaign, which launched in August 2024 to inform the public about common respiratory viruses and available vaccines.”