December 2- 6 is National Influenza Vaccination Week

Every year, National Influenza Vaccination Week reminds us of the importance of flu vaccination as an essential preventive measure to reduce the risk of severe flu complications.

Individuals 65 and older are at the highest risk for hospitalization and complications from influenza and account for the majority of influenza hospitalizations and deaths in the United States each year. Recent findings by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that between 70 and 85 percent of seasonal flu-related deaths have occurred in people 65 years of age and older, and between 50 and 70 percent of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations have occurred among people in this age group.

Flu viruses are constantly changing, and protection from vaccination decreases over time. An annual flu vaccine is the only vaccine that protects against flu and has been shown to reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization, and death.

Preventing Flu Outbreaks in Long-Term Care Facilities

Flu outbreaks in long-term care facilities can lead to a devastating impact. Influenza can be introduced into the facility by newly admitted residents, healthcare personnel and visitors, so getting a flu shot is a significant preventive step this season. If possible, all residents should receive inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) annually before influenza season.

• CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) preferentially recommend the use of higher-dose flu vaccines (including high-dose inactivated and recombinant) or adjuvanted inactivated flu vaccine over standard-dose unadjuvanted flu vaccines for people 65 years and older.
• CDC recommends prompt flu antiviral treatment for people who have flu or suspected flu and who are at higher risk of serious flu complications, such as people 65 years and older.
• Access more information here.

Flu Prevention: A Team Effort

Outside of promoting vaccination among residents, staff members can also support flu prevention by obtaining their flu shots on time and implementing a plan for vaccine education, promotion, administration and tracking. Staff can also maintain other healthy habits such as avoiding close contact with people who are sick, limiting contact with others when sick, taking steps for cleaner air and hygiene practices, covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands constantly, and others.

We all play a vital role in promoting vaccination efforts against flu. From obtaining our flu shots promptly to providing education and promoting vaccination efforts and more, we can help #fightflu.

Additional Resources

• Flu and People 65 Years and Older
• Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices — United States, 2024–25 Influenza Season
• Interim Guidance for Influenza Outbreak Management in Long-Term Care and Post-Acute Care Facilities
• FluView – overview and map of current activity in the United States
• FluVaxView – Influenza vaccination coverage data and past trends in the United States
• Information for Health Professionals

For questions on how our innovative pharmacy services can support your facility, contact us here. Our MAC Rx team is ready to help!

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