Influenza Resources for Healthcare Professionals

Flu severity varies from year to year, but the flu always poses serious consequences. Deaths from pneumonia and influenza combined are the 9th leading cause of death among Hispanics.

2025 Recommended Immunization Schedules Now Available

The CDC recommends that everyone aged six months and older receive an annual influenza vaccine to protect against seasonal flu strains. High-risk groups, including those with chronic conditions, pregnant women, older adults, and residents of long-term care facilities, should be especially diligent about getting vaccinated. For those aged 65 and older, high-dose or adjuvanted vaccines are recommended to enhance effectiveness.

Stay protected and up to date with the latest immunization recommendations.

Simplified/Easy to Read Immunization Schedules

These tools ensure vaccinations are timely, effective and safely administered. Explore the schedules to make sure you’re on track!

Source: Center for Disease Control. Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule, United States, 2024. Accessed 20 August. 2024.

Flu Vaccines for Seniors

According to the CDC, adults 65+ are at higher risk for severe flu complications due to aging immune systems. They account for 70-85% of flu-related deaths and 50-70% of hospitalizations. The CDC and ACIP recommend higher-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccines for this age group, as they may be more effective than standard-dose vaccines. If these are unavailable, a standard-dose vaccine should be used instead. Nasal spray vaccines are not recommended for those 65+.

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Understanding the Impact of Influenza: Risks, Symptoms, and Prevention

Influenza can be severe, especially for those at higher risk, including the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic conditions. It causes millions of illnesses and thousands of hospitalizations each season.

Seek medical attention if experiencing severe symptoms like difficulty breathing or chest pain. Talk to your doctor about flu prevention and whether the flu vaccine is right for you.

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Prevention

How to respond to flu vaccine doubters

Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine

Misconceptions about Seasonal Flu and Flu Vaccines

CDC

Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices — United States, 2020–21 Influenza Season

CDC

Seasonal influenza vaccine in immunocompromised persons

Taylor & Francis Online

Influenza Vaccination: Updated Recommendations from ACIP

American Family Physician

Flu Vaccination Decision-Making Guide

National Forum for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention

Sanofi

With this digital flu education tool, you can have control of the messages you share with your patients.

Vaccination for Adults with Diabetes

Adults with diabetes are at a higher risk for severe flu complications, including hospitalization and death. The flu vaccine can reduce risks like stroke, heart failure, and mortality. Healthcare providers should emphasize the importance of yearly vaccination and discuss it with patients after considering individual health needs.

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Vaccination for Adults with Cardiovascular Disease

Adults with heart disease or a history of stroke face increased risks from the flu, including heart complications. Flu vaccination can lower the risk of severe outcomes, such as heart attack and stroke. Providers should ensure patients with cardiovascular conditions understand the benefits of getting vaccinated.

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Vaccination Coverage and Safety

NHMA is dedicated to empowering physicians to improve Hispanic health, regardless of insurance status. Many public health departments, FQHCs, and free clinics offer low-cost or free services and vaccines. Pharmaceutical companies may also provide medications at reduced or no cost. For uninsured patients, visit www.healthcare.gov for affordable coverage options.

Vaccine Safety

Concerns about vaccine safety and necessity persist, fueled by myths and misinformation. The CDC provides trusted resources to educate the public. Vaccines undergo rigorous testing before licensure, and the CDC continues to monitor their safety and effectiveness. For effective outreach, especially in Hispanic communities, culturally competent communication in both English and Spanish is crucial.

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Paying for the Flu Vaccine

NHMA empowers physicians to improve Hispanic health, regardless of insurance status. Many public health departments, FQHCs, and free clinics offer low-cost or free services and vaccines. Pharmaceutical companies may also provide vaccines and medications at reduced or no cost. For uninsured patients, visit www.healthcare.gov to explore affordable coverage options.

Resources

Information for Health Professionals

CDC

Global Influenza Programme

CDC Flu toolkit

Flu signs and symptoms

HCP Fight Flu Toolkit

CDC

Treatment

Preventing Flu

Influenza Diagnosis

Treatment of Flu

Influenza Vaccine

Influenza virus-related critical illness: prevention, diagnosis, treatment

Biomedical Central

Intensive care management of influenza-associated pulmonary aspergillosis

Clinical Microbiology and Infection

Events

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