Flu Vaccine Reminders: Sample Social Media Messages

Share messages on your own social networks and email outreach using these prepared posts and sample email to remind families about flu season and why the flu vaccine is important. 

Sample Social Media Messages 

What is the flu and how does it spread?

• Influenza (the flu) is much more serious than a “bug” or a bad cold. It’s a contagious respiratory virus that kids can catch — and spread — easily. Most people who get the flu are sick at home for about a week, but some end up in the hospital.
• Influenza (or the flu) is a viral infection of the nose, throat and lungs. It spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes and another person breathes in the virus, or when someone touches a contaminated surface then puts a finger in their mouth or nose. Keeping your child up to date on flu shots helps their immune system stay ahead of those germs so they can remain healthy and grow strong.
• The flu can be serious for kids under 5 or those with conditions like asthma or diabetes. The annual influenza shot helps your child’s immune system recognize and resist the virus so they can stay in school, go on playdates, and do the things kids love doing. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends immunizations based on when your child’s immune system is best ready to learn and respond. For the flu vaccine, the recommended pace is yearly, starting at 6 months.

When should your child get their flu vaccine?

• Flu season starts in the fall, just as kids return to school, where they share crayons, snacks — and yes, germs — with a lot of other kids. Make sure your back-to-school to-do list includes a trip to your pediatrician to bring your child up to date on immunizations, including for influenza. Getting a flu shot before the end of October means your child’s immune system can learn to resist the virus before it hits your community. On-time immunization keeps our kids, their classmates, and our communities healthier.
• In child development, timing matters a lot. Babies grow through predictable ages and stages — from learning to smile and roll over, to learning to sit up and crawl. Your child’s immune system has stages too. The American Academy of Pediatrics' recommended vaccine schedule is based on when a kid’s system is best ready to learn and respond. For the flu vaccine, the recommended pace is yearly, starting at 6 months. Make sure your baby stays ahead of preventable diseases so they can keep moving ahead toward their developmental milestones.

How does the flu spread?

• Influenza viruses can spread rapidly through communities. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, others around them can inhale the virus through the nose or mouth. The virus can also spread when a person touches a contaminated surface, such as a door handle, and then puts their hands or fingers in their nose or mouth or rubs their eyes. In the United States, flu most often spreads from fall through spring.
• Flu viruses change over time, and different strains circulate each year. The flu vaccine is updated every year to keep up with these changes. That’s why kids (and adults) need a new flu shot every year. 

Common myths about the flu

• If your child does experience side effects after vaccination, symptoms are usually mild and short-lived. The flu vaccine does not cause the flu.
  • Common side effects of the flu shot may include soreness, redness, and swelling where the shot was given, as well as fever, muscle aches, and headache. There may be a very small increased risk of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a condition that can cause numbness and muscle weakness.
  • Common side effects of the nasal spray flu vaccine may include runny nose, nasal congestion, wheezing, or headache. Vomiting, muscle aches, fever, sore throat, and cough are other possible side effects of the nasal spray flu vaccine.
• Children can still receive the vaccine if they have a minor illness, like a cold, on the day of vaccination. Tell your child’s doctor or care team about any symptoms of illness, medical conditions and medications that they take.
• Being a parent means dealing with a lot of information. Sometimes it’s hard to know if what you see or read online is true. It can feel confusing, overwhelming, or even alarming. Don’t fall for myths or misconceptions that could hurt your child’s health. If you hear something that makes you curious or concerned about your child's vaccines, talk with your pediatrician to make sure you’re getting the facts. Stay curious, ask questions!   

Sample Email 

Don’t let the flu stop you!  

With fall just around the corner, activities like camp, family reunions and back-to-school mean we’re getting together for good times, so don’t let the flu be the thing that brings your family down. An annual flu shot for children 6 months and older can give their immune system the information it needs to resist the virus before it arrives in your community.

Our team is happy to help schedule a time for your child’s flu vaccination, or they can get the vaccine at their next visit. Please call the office today to make an appointment. As always, we’re here to help answer any questions or address any concerns you may have about the influenza vaccine.