Is Your Doctor Coughing?
Thousands of patients catch the flu from their doctors & nurses. Why?
Because some forgetful doctors don't get their flu shots.
We require many other shots for health care workers — It's time we include the flu, too.
Why Does the Flu Matter?
The Flu Kills Patients
Though you might only miss work, the flu is serious for vulnerable hospital patients.
Newborns
Catching the flu in the hospital can kill infants. That's one reason why Ob-Gyns and midwives take the flu very seriously.
Cancer Patients
Chemotherapy drugs weaken the immune system, meaning the flu can kill otherwise strong and young people.
The Elderly
Our grandparents are the most likely to die from the flu, which is the cause of 1 in 20 deaths in people over 65.
Benefits of Vaccination
We require many other vaccines for doctors — It's time to require flu shots, too!
Saves Medical Costs
Flu shots for health care workers make great business sense — they can save up to $3,798 per patient during a bad flu season.
Reduces Hospitalizations
The flu causes 225,000 hospitalizations each year. During peak flu times, emergency rooms are frequently overwhelmed.
Prevents Deaths
The flu causes 41,000 deaths every year, all of which are preventable. Influenza is the sixth leading cause of death among US adults.
Support from Key Groups
Requiring flu shots for doctors & nurses is supported by every major medical association and hundreds of hospitals and businesses.
Other Vaccines
We already require many shots for doctors & nurses, including measles, mumps, rubella, and hepatitis B. It's time to include the flu.
Herd Immunity
Currently, less than 50% of doctors and nurses get the vaccine — well below the 80–90% required for "herd immunity" to protect others.
You Deserve the Safest Hospital
Choose a hospital with a vaccine requirement
List of the safest hospitals coming soon!
Current U.S. Flu Cases
Get Involved in Your Community
Require Flu Shots for Health Care Workers
Call Your Government
The flu shot isn't a political issue — it's a public health issue! Ask your local and state representatives about requiring health care professionals to get the flu shot.
Ask Your Doctor or Nurse
Check that your doctor & nurse have gotten the flu vaccine before you make an appointment. Ask their secretaries too — anyone in the office could give you and loved ones the flu.
Tell Your Friends & Family
Know someone with cystic fibrosis, asthma, or cancer? Make sure their doctors are flu-free. Have a pregnant friend? Remind them to check that their Ob-Gyn or midwife is vaccinated.
Other Resources
Supporters of Required Flu Shots
for Health Care Workers
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
- American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)
- American College of Physicians (ACP)
- American Hospital Association (AHA)
- American Pharmacists Association (APhA)
- American Public Health Association (APHA)
- The Department of Defense
- Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA)
- National Business Group on Health
- National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID)
- National Patient Safety Foundation (NPSF)
The Immunization Action Coalition
www.immunize.org
The Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) is a non-profit organization working to increase immunization rates and prevent disease through educational materials, communication, and advocacy.
Prevent Childhood Influenza & Lethal Diseases
www.PreventChildhoodInfluenza.org
Don't think the flu can kill? Read the chilling stories from The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. This site also has many great resources on flu vaccination.
The Vaccinate Doctors Initiative is run by medical students as part of ClinDesk, Inc. & White Coat Academy
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