There are lessons we can learn from the Southern Hemisphere, where the flu season arrived earlier than expected in 2022.Australia saw the ‘worst May on record’ in terms of the number of recorded flu cases, and a 50% surge in workplace sick leaves. To protect the most vulnerable people in our societies, it is vital that we continuously and consistently communicate the importance of getting vaccinated.

The 2022/23 seasonal influenza vaccine is now available in many countries, so it is time to get ready to vaccinate and tell your stakeholders about the flu vaccine!

Our Network member Vaccines Europe and the Steering Group on Influenza Vaccination is inviting everyone to join the third annual EU Flu Day, celebrated on 12 October. This year the theme is ‘Making influenza vaccination a priority across Europe’ and it aims to raise awareness, increase influenza vaccination coverage rates across Europe, and better protect European citizens and health systems.

When: 12 October
Hashtag for the communication: #EUFluDay #TogetherAgainstFlu
Download: EU Flu Day 2022 Social Media Toolkit
More information: here

Our Network member FIP is hosting in collaboration with IFPMA the webinar ‘Global Symposium: Why flu vaccination matters.’ This webinar will discuss how the yearly seasonal influenza remains a heavy burden for the healthcare system, which is why flu vaccination should remain a priority. It will also highlight the benefits of co-administration of flu and COVID-19 vaccines, and how pharmacists can contribute to flu vaccination strategies.

When: 13 October
Hashtags for the communication: #FIPDigitalEvent #TogetherAgainstFlu
More information: here.

Our Network member IFPMA recently launched  Phase 2 of #VaccinesForLife,  a series of 8 short emotive films highlighting the value of vaccines at every age and stage of life. 

Three of the films focus specifically on flu: protection for older adults, protection for those at risk and protection for healthcare professionals.
You can help amplify these important messages about flu vaccination across your digital networks by, for example, quote tweeting and sharing the recent post on protection for older adults - Twitter LinkedIn and Facebook. Please add your own personal message or one of the suggested messages below: 

• Vaccines can play a key role in healthy ageing. Vaccines protect older people who have a higher chance of serious illness and hospitalization due to vaccine-preventable diseases and infections like flu. #TeamVaccines #VaccinesForLife https://teamvaccines.ifpma.org/vaccines-for-life

• To keep our populations healthy as they age, flu vaccines can play an important role. They can help to protect people with a higher risk of serious illness and hospitalization, as well as relieving pressure on healthcare systems. #TeamVaccines #VaccinesForLife  https://teamvaccines.ifpma.org/vaccines-for-life

• We believe in #VaccinesForLife because we know vaccines can save lives, at every age and stage of life. #TeamVaccines  https://teamvaccines.ifpma.org/vaccines-for-life

 Thank you for your continued #TeamVaccines support.