Flu Vaccinations are Essential in Protecting Heart Health During Times of COVID-19 and Flu
Please take a moment to read the following important information from Laurence Sperling, MD, Executive Director of the Million Hearts initiative.
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Individuals with serious heart conditions are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 and influenza. We have seen a concerning drop in emergency visits for cardiovascular events during the pandemic, and “routine” care is anything but routine. With flu season around the corner, vaccination is paramount to protecting heart health. Annual flu vaccinations can reduce the impact of flu-related illness in the population and also reduce the likelihood of cardiovascular events.
Million Hearts® and CDC have developed two short public service announcements to encourage individuals to seek emergency care for heart attack or stroke. Share and use the Million Hearts PSAs, PSA Toolkit, and PSA Social Graphics!
Flu vaccines are a safe, effective way for people with heart disease to stay heart healthy. Offering vaccinations during health care visits and hospitalizations from September 2020 to January 2021 or later can help millions of Americans. Protect the heart health of your patients, employees, and communities during this flu season by:
- Assessing the vaccination status of patients and employees.
- Delaying vaccination for persons with any acute illness.
- Implementing strategies to address overdue vaccinations.
Please help us get the following messages out:
- Take your regular heart medications.
- Reach out to your medical team for questions and concerns.
- Seek emergency care when experiencing symptoms of a heart attack or stroke.
- Get a flu shot.
Your help and attention are needed now more than ever.
Yours in health,
Laurence Sperling, MD, FACC, FACP, FAHA, FASPC
Executive Director, Million Hearts®
