Source Article –Early Signs Point to a Harsh Flu Season in the U.S

Urgent Care Reminder: Prioritize the Flu Vaccine for All Patients This Season

Recent data indicate that the U.S. is entering a flu season on the verge of significant activity, with early signals matching patterns seen in other high-impact seasons internationally.  The CDC’s Center for Forecasting and Outbreak Analytics predicts this year’s respiratory virus season will look much like last year’s. However, severe outbreaks in Australia and Japan — where officials have already declared a flu epidemic — have raised concerns among experts.

Every interaction with a patient presents an opportunity to vaccinate and protect—both the individual and the community

1. 1. Ask at every visit, even if the patient comes in for a non-flu complaint. Many patients coming for “just a cold” or other acute symptoms may not have considered vaccination.
   2. Address vaccine hesitancy quickly. Acknowledge concerns and highlight that the vaccine reduces the risk of severe outcomes, not just illness incidence.
   3. Use what you know about your patient population. High-risk patients (e.g., older adults, pregnant people, those with chronic health conditions)
   4. Document vaccination status. Chart whether the vaccine was offered, accepted or declined.
   5. Make it convenient. Integrate prompts into the electronic health record or intake process and train all staff (clinical and front-desk) to support the “offer vaccine” workflow.

Your reminder to the patient with a sprained ankle may just keep them from getting horribly sick this flu season!