• Immunization Action Coalition – Standing order templates, screening checklists and more
• CDC Priority Groups for Antiviral Treatment of Influenza
• CDC Guidance for Planning Vaccination Clinics at Off-Site Locations
• CDC.gov/flu

By providing the flu vaccine, you may be able to reduce the risk of serious flu illness and hospitalization for your patients.

The flu vaccine helps protects against multiple subtypes of the influenza virus and has been shown to reduce flu-associated hospitalizations. According to the CDC, flu vaccination prevented an estimated 58,00 flu-related hospitalizations in 2018-2019¹. If the flu can be determined early, anti-flu medications can help reduce the symptoms and illness days².

• Encourage vaccines to your patients and their accompanying family members at every visit.
• Consider using standing orders, protocols and resources from immunize.org.
• Help ensure safety by considering the following:
  • Offering online appointment scheduling
    
  •  Dedicating specific rooms for vaccine-only appointments
    
  • Extending hours or offering walk-in vaccination clinics
    
  • Setting up a drive-up immunization site
    
• Leverage the CDC’s “SHARE” best practice to make a strong vaccine recommendation and provide information to help patients make informed decisions:
  
  • Share the reasons why the influenza vaccine is right for the patient given his or her age, health status, lifestyle, occupation and other risk factors
    
  • Highlight positive experiences with influenza vaccines (personal or in your practice) as appropriate
    
  • Address patient questions and any concerns with the influenza vaccine including side effects, safety and vaccine effectiveness
    
  • Remind patients that influenza vaccines protect them and their loved ones from influenza and influenza-related complications
    
  • Explain the potential costs of getting influenza, including serious health effects, time lost (such as missing work or family obligations) and financial costs