The Minnesota Department of Health reports an increase in influenza-like illnesses reported in schools during the week ending Jan. 8, according to the MDH Weekly Influenza & Respiratory Illness Activity Report.
One pediatric death has been recorded in the 2021-2022 flu season, and case numbers compared to the 2020-2021 flu season indicate this year will be more widespread. Consider sharing this information with patients to encourage seasonal flu vaccination.
For more information on strategies for improving flu vaccination rates in your clinic, check out the MNAAP webinar recorded by Immunization Work Group Co-Chair Garrett Jones, MD, FAAP, “More Than Just a Cold: Exploring Ways to Combat Influenza Vaccine Hesitancy.”
You can also take advantage of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevent (CDC) Digital Media Toolkit for 2021-2022 which contains social media messages, videos, printed materials and other resources in multiple languages.
