An estimated 80,000 Americans died of the flu or flu-related complications last winter, according to estimates from the CDC. The flu does not discriminate, it can be dangerous for anyone.
Charlie Hinderliter wasn’t opposed to the flu shot. He didn’t have a problem with vaccinations. He was one of about 53 percent of Americans who just don’t get one. “I figured [the flu] was something that’s dangerous to the elderly and the young, not somebody who is healthy and in their 30s,” says Hinderliter, who is 39. “Turns out, I was wrong,” he says.
Perhaps reading Charlie’s flu story, recently featured in Health News from NPR, will help you understand how important it is to get the flu vaccination every year.
Great Plains QIN is actively working with providers, patients, partners and stakeholders to implement best practices to increase immunization rates for influenza, pneumococcal disease and herpes zoster. We offer a wealth of free evidence-based resources to promote influenza, pneumococcal and herpes zoster vaccination best practices, guidelines and tools to break down barriers to care for disparate populations. We have also convened a Learning and Action Network (LAN) to give providers, community organizations and patients the opportunity to share and learn. Ultimately, we intend to improve access to and quality of care through our efforts. Together, we play an important role in helping to educate patients about immunization recommendations. Join our Learning and Action Network today.