PHILADELPHIA December 2, 2022 – In recognition of National Influenza Vaccination Week (Dec. 6-12), the American College of Physicians (ACP), representing internal medicine physicians, urges all adults to make it a priority to get vaccinated as a more severe influenza season, holiday gatherings, and winter weather are here, as well as the continued threat of COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established the National Influenza Vaccination Week in 2005 as a reminder that the influenza season isn’t just around the holidays but throughout the winter into early spring.
The CDC says that cumulative influenza-associated hospitalization rates for children (age 0–4 years and 5–17 years) and all ages combined are notably higher compared to the same time periods during previous seasons since 2010–2011. Although the timing, intensity, and severity of the 2022–2023 influenza season are uncertain, CDC anticipates continued high-level circulation of influenza viruses this fall and winter.
“National Influenza Vaccination Week is a great reminder that every influenza season is different,” said Ryan D. Mire, MD, MACP, President, ACP. “People need to protect themselves by getting an influenza vaccine. This is also a great time to get the updated COVID-19 booster vaccines. Vaccines are safe and effective – and it is especially important for people at high risk of flu-related complications including all adults over 65, adults with chronic conditions, and women who are pregnant.”
All adults should get their recommended immunizations, including the influenza vaccine, which help prevent illness, missed time from work, disability, and hospitalizations. ACP encourages patients to visit their physician’s office or visit community-based vaccine providers (e.g., pharmacies) for influenza vaccination and other necessary vaccines.
The latest adult immunization schedule and recommendations approved by the ACIP are available in Annals of Internal Medicine. ACP and other professional organizations reviewed and approved the schedule.
ACP’s I Raise the Rates Adult Immunization Resource Hub has links to useful resources and important information to help physicians increase adult immunization rates in their practice, including a new resource, the High Value Immunization Referral Toolkit. Developed as part of ACP’s I Raise the Rates initiative, this toolkit provides resources to facilitate more effective and collaborative immunization referrals among those in your patient’s immunization neighborhood. ACP also has a series of quick vaccination tips to help you stay up to date on the latest influenza and pneumococcal vaccine recommendations.
ACP has also partnered with YouTube to create a series of videos addressing vaccine-related questions and countering vaccine misinformation.
About the American College of Physicians
The American College of Physicians is the largest medical specialty organization in the United States with members in more than 145 countries worldwide. ACP membership includes 160,000 internal medicine physicians, related subspecialists, and medical students. Internal medicine physicians are specialists who apply scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to the diagnosis, treatment, and compassionate care of adults across the spectrum from health to complex illness. Follow ACP on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Media Contact: Andrew Hachadorian (Ahachadorian@acponline.org 215-351-2514)