While the US remains focused on the COVID-19 pandemic, we also need to also be aware of flu season as winter approaches. Flu viruses typically spread in fall and winter, with activity peaking between December and February. National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) - December 6-12, 2020 - is a great opportunity to encourage all WIC participants 6 months and older, and staff, to get their flu vaccine.

The flu can cause mild to severe illness, but can also cause complications, some of which can be life threatening. Getting the flu vaccine is the most important step to protect against the flu especially for:

• Pregnant women and their developing babies
• Children younger than 5 years of age
• American Indian and Alaskan Native children

DYK? -  Women with influenza are more than twice as likely to be hospitalized if they are pregnant.

Test your Flu IQ with this interactive quiz.

Educate

Resources to help educate participants on flu and the flu vaccine include:

• The difference between the Flu and COVID-19
• The difference between the Flu and a cold 
• FAQs on the 2020-2021 flu season, which includes focused questions on COVID
• Who Should and Should NOT get a Flu Vaccine, also available as a handout
• Safety information about the flu vaccine, including a Q&A and information specific to getting the flu shot during pregnancy
• A resource center with communication and education materials for participants who may be hesitant to get a flu vaccine
• Good Habits to Prevent the Flu, also available in in Spanish
• Flu Information for Parents with Young Children, a resource page also available in Spanish with a fact sheet, video and other materials

In addition to other flu resources on WIC Works, you can also find related resources, such as: 

• Vaccines 101 - Information for WIC Staff
• Immunizations for Parents and Parents-to-be booklets, in Spanish and English, to help answer questions about and address the importance of vaccines
• Immunization Schedule for Children: Birth through 6 Years
• Information on Measles