1. PUBLIC HEALTH DIVISION Immunization Program Preventing influenza [Insert long-term care facility name here] Do no harm... Stick out your arm!

2. 2 Have you heard? Influenza is referred to as “the flu” Contagious respiratory illness Symptoms vary

3. 3 Have you heard? 36,000 deaths annually 200,000 people are hospitalized annually 90% of the deaths are people 65 and older www.cdc.gov, 2006

4. 4 Have you heard? You are one of the most important defenses against the flu entering [Insert Long-term care facility name here]

5. 5 Have you heard? Who should get the shot Long-term care residents All long-term care staff Family/visitors of residents Persons aged 2 – 49 yrs. with high risk conditions All persons > 50 years Pregnant women Children 6 months – 18 yrs Household contacts & caregivers of children < 6 months

6. 6 Signs and symptoms of flu Body aches Chills Dry cough Fever Headache Sore throat Stuffy nose

7. 7 Flu prevention Get vaccinated Your best protection Practice good hygiene Wash hands often Cover your mouth / nose when you cough / sneeze Put used tissues in waste basket Clean your hands after you cough / sneeze Avoid touching your face, eyes, nose or mouth If you are diagnosed with the flu Stay home Avoid close contact with others, or wear a mask Get rest and drink plenty of fluids

8. 8 Misconceptions “Getting the shot will cause the flu” Reasons why many do not get immunized “I’ve never gotten the flu, so I don’t need the vaccine” “I got the shot last year” “I hate needles”

9. ”A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association finds that getting the influenza vaccine lowers a person’s odds of a having heart attack, stroke, heart failure, or other major cardiac event—including death—by about a third over the following year.” “…can help protect against premature labor and delivery” http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/flu-shot-linked-to-lower-heart-attack-stroke-risk-201310236795 http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/flu-shots/art-20044238 http://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/partners/flu-pregnancy-infographic.pdf Did you know?

10. 10 Have you heard? We will be offering the flu shot on [Insert date and time(s) here]

11. What I can do to prevent the flu? Stick out your arm! Do no harm!

12. Did you know? Flu shots will be offered at [Insert date and time(s) here] And are also available at Public Health Departments Pharmacies Most medical offices