Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation™ Blog - NOT TODAY, FLU!

Nurses, we know you are very familiar with confronting things that are out of your control. (There are definitely a few memes for that.) The good news: Getting a flu shot is not one of them.

Let’s all declare “Not Today, Flu!” and inspire everyone to take control to help lower their risk of flu and its complications by getting our flu shots.

We are teaming up with Sanofi for an educational campaign – Not Today, Flu – to encourage everyone eligible to get their flu shot this upcoming season to help prevent the flu and flu-related complications, including cardiovascular events, pneumonia, and hospitalizations, and to help protect their own health and that of their loved ones. (4)

The best way to participate? Leading by example and getting your flu shot today. So many things may be out of our control, but getting the flu shot and helping to protect ourselves and our loved ones from flu and its complications is not one of them. Empower and help protect yourself by getting your flu shot and declaring “Not Today, Flu!” Then share your story on social using the hashtag, #NotTodayFlu.

Nurses, it starts with you. Be a role model and spread the word that it’s time to say, “Not Today, Flu!”

Reach out to Holly Carpenter, holly.carpenter@ana.org, to get involved.

REFERENCES
1. Dhanasekaran, V., Sullivan, S., Edwards, K.M. et al. Human seasonal influenza under COVID-19 and the potential consequences of influenza lineage elimination. Nat Commun 13, 1721 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-29402-5
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/ flu/weekly/index.htm. Accessed June 2022.
3. Australian Government Department of Health. Australian Influenza Surveillance Report – 2022 Influenza Season in Australia. Available at: https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/cda-surveil-ozflu-flucurr.htm. June 2022.
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccination. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/ flu/prevent/keyfacts.htm. Accessed June 2022.
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People at Higher Risk of Flu Complications. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/ flu/highrisk/index.htm. Accessed July 2022.
6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A Chronic Health Condition Can Increase Your Risk. Available at: https://www. cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/chronic-conditions/index.htm. Accessed July 2022.
7. “Military Brass, Judges Among Professions at New Image Lows,” Gallup News, 12 January 2022. Available at: https://news. gallup.com/poll/388649/military-brass-judges-among-professions-new-image-lows.aspx. Accessed June 2022.
8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Latest U.S. Flu Vaccination Coverage Estimates Continue to Show Concerning Drops in Coverage Among People at Increased Risk for Flu Complications. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/ spotlights/2021-2022/study-shows-drop-in-flu-coverage.htm. Accessed June 2022.
9. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Flu Disparities Among Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups. Available at: https:// www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/disparities-racial-ethnic-minority-groups.html. Accessed June 2022.
10. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Interim Guidance for Routine and Influenza Immunization Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pandemic-guidance/. Accessed July 2022.
11. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Preventive Steps. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/prevention. htm. Accessed August 2022.
12. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaccine Effectiveness: How Well Do the Flu Vaccines Work? Available at: https://cdc.gov/flu/vaccines-work/vaccineeffect.htm. Accessed June 2022.



Not a member of Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation (HNHN) yet? Join today!
Join our monthly challenges at hnhn.org/challenges.