This week in the United States is National Influenza Vaccination Week.  With COVID-19 news continuing to dominate global press, it is easy to forget that the influenza (flu) continues to threaten the health of pregnant people, parents and infants, along with all other segments of the population worldwide.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

“National Influenza Vaccination Week is a call to all Americans 6 months and older to get their annual flu vaccine if they have not already. Flu remains a significant public health concern, and this week will serve to remind people that there is still time to get a flu vaccine—the only vaccine that protects against flu—to prevent flu illness and potentially serious complications."

Perinatal professionals, including childbirth educators, have an opportunity to share the message about the importance of getting vaccinated against the flu each and every year.  Infants, six months or older, are also recommended to be vaccinated.

The American College of Nurse-Midwives created a fun but factual flyer available to share with the families we work with, that promotes the vaccination and answers some common questions pregnant and new parents may have about receiving the flu vaccine.  You can access and download that resource here.  Note: the flyer is gendered and refers to “moms” which may exclude other pregnant people.

The CDC also has a digital toolkit with lots of assets and shareable resources that you can use to send out to families or share in class.

With all the focus on vaccinations for COVID in order to reign in the pandemic, the annual flu can be overlooked, but not any less important.  Pregnant people should be receiving the message from their health care providers that the flu shot is critical to protect themselves and their baby, in utero or already born.

This week, in honor of National Influenza Vaccination Week, make sure you share information about the importance of getting a flu vaccination, especially if someone is pregnant.  If we spread the word, we can hopefully stop the spread of the flu and its impact!

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