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Prevent the Flu: Encourage Vaccination

Flu season is right around the corner, and it’s time for everyone to get up to date on vaccinations. Your relationship with your patients is one of trust and your conversations are impactful. Please speak openly with your patients about vaccines to help them decide what protection is best for them.

Once they have decided to get a vaccine, remember there’s always time! Administering the flu vaccine is fast and easy.

What to Do Before Talking with Your Patients

  • Create standing orders so that others may vaccinate patients without your direct order.
  • Add reminders and follow-ups in patients’ EHR/EMR — both for yourself and for your patients.
  • Think of a time or event that happens in every appointment where you can check in with your patients about their vaccine status.

What to Do When Talking with Your Patients

  • Make your recommendation an announcement. A strong, declarative statement that your patient is due for a vaccination followed by safety information and your recommendation decreases vaccine hesitation.
  • Use the CDC’s SHARE Method to guide the conversation:
    • SHARE your recommendation for vaccination based on the patient’s age, lifestyle, and other risk factors.
    • HIGHLIGHT positives from personal experience or appropriate cases to reinforce the benefits of vaccination and strengthen confidence.
    • ADDRESS questions. Be prepared to discuss side effects, effectiveness, and safety. Recognize that while those vaccinated may still get sick, less severe illness is likely.
    • REMIND patients that the flu vaccine helps protect them AND their loved ones from serious illness and complications that may impact overall health for extended periods. Even if the patient doesn’t get sick, they can still spread the flu to those close. A flu vaccine helps lower the chance of getting the flu for all who come in contact with the vaccinated person.
    • EXPLAIN the costs that come with getting sick. Besides health impacts, lost time from work, school and family, and financial burden caused by flu are factors to consider.
  • Follow up. If your patient didn’t get their vaccine at their last visit, check to see if they have since then. Discuss where and when they’re getting their flu vaccine. Confirm during their next visit.
  • Repeat your recommendation. Address any questions with facts complemented by compassion.


Flu Prevention is a Win-Win

Higher flu vaccination rates among patients helps by:

  • Supporting the health and wellness of your patients
  • Decreasing severity of illness for those who do get sick
  • Reducing community spread


We’ve Got Your Back

You’re committed to keeping patients healthy, and we are here to support your flu prevention outreach. We've produced materials to help you communicate with your patients about the importance and safety of flu vaccines.

 

You are essential to reducing flu spread and impact. Speak with your patients about flu vaccines and prevention.

Questions?

Meridian is here to support you and your practice. If you have questions about flu prevention, patient education tools, or incentives, contact your Quality Improvement representative.

Source: “Talking About Influenza Vaccine Recommendation,” CDC, Updated September 17, 2024

Last Updated: 01/21/2026