Resources & Insights for National Influenza Vaccination Week

As Flu season nears, National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) is here to remind us of the importance of getting vaccinated against Flu to be protected. While flu seasons vary in severity, during most seasons, people 65 years and older are at higher risk of developing complications from severe Flu disease, especially if already living with a chronic medical condition.

Flu Season and Long-Term Care

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people older than 65 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. Moreover, it is estimated that:?

• Between 70-85 percent of seasonal flu-related deaths have occurred in people 65 years and older.
• Between 50 percent and 70 percent of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations have occurred among people in this age group.

?In long-term care facilities, particularly, Flu outbreaks can be quite common, leading to a devastating impact. Influenza can be introduced into the facility by newly admitted residents, healthcare personnel and visitors, which is why getting a Flu shot is a great preventive step to take this season. It is recommended that all residents receive the inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) annually before the influenza season.

Staff Tip: Outside of promoting vaccination among residents, Flu prevention can also be supported by staff members by obtaining their Flu shots. Support vaccination efforts among your staff by implementing a plan for vaccine education, promotion, administration and tracking.

Access Helpful Resources

Pharmacy professionals play a vital role in promoting vaccination efforts against Flu. From obtaining your Flu shot in a timely manner to providing education, promoting vaccination efforts and more, you can help #fightflu.

Access resources to support your facility below:

• Information for the 2023-2024 Flu Season
• Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Resources for Health Professionals
• Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report: FluView
• FluVaxView: Current Season Preliminary Influenza Vaccine Data
• Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)—United States, 2023-24 Summary of Recommendations
• Interim Guidance for Influenza Outbreak Management in Long-Term Care and Post-Acute Care Facilities
• Testing and Management Considerations for Nursing Home Residents with Acute Respiratory Illness Symptoms when SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza Viruses are Co-circulating

For questions and support regarding your pharmacy needs, contact us.

Our MAC Rx team is ready to help!