What’s the news: The AMA, the Ad Council, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the CDC Foundation are highlighting how vaccination helps boost the body’s defenses to the influenza virus.
The campaign, “Play Defense Against the Flu,” features public-service announcements in English and Spanish that encourage vaccination in advance of flu season, which in the Northern Hemisphere is generally from about October to May. The flu season typically peaks from December to February, though flu seasons vary and are unpredictable in their timing and duration.
“We urge everyone 6 months and older to get vaccinated against the flu, ideally before virus begins spreading in your community,” said AMA President Bruce A. Scott, MD. “Black and Hispanic populations are at higher risk of severe complications from the flu due to longstanding health care inequities and disproportionately low vaccination coverage. Our campaign particularly focuses on Black and Hispanic populations to help improve vaccination rates in these communities. The AMA will continue to support efforts to improve vaccination rates and achieve optimal health for all people.”
Why it’s important: During last year’s flu season, only half of the U.S. population got a flu vaccine, and 35 million or more people contracted the flu. At least 390,000 people were hospitalized with the virus, and an estimated 25,000 died of the flu or from complications related to it. A range of experts consulted by the CDC estimated a 54% chance that the peak hospitalization burden of COVID-19, influenza and RSV combined will be similar to that of the 2023–2024 respiratory-virus season. The experts estimated an 18% chance that it will be at least 20% higher this season, and a 28% chance it would be at least 20% lower.
The AMA and CDC both recommend that everyone 6 months and older get the updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines every year, with rare exceptions.
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Though the vaccine does not guarantee a person will not get the flu, it cuts the chance of infection and significantly reduces the chance of more serious complications, particularly among patients in high-risk groups such as children and those older than 65. Last year, CDC data showed that the flu shot reduced hospitalizations for children by about half and by about 40% for adults. A recent CDC report analyzing 2024 data from the Southern Hemisphere, which has an earlier flu season, showed that the flu vaccine reduced hospitalizations there among high-risk groups by about 35%.
The recently released public-service announcement shows a team of antibodies getting ready in their locker room to fight against the flu. They’re a strong team already, but the flu shot provides them with the strength and gear they need to beat the flu. The campaign spots will be featured on TV, radio, social media and other formats in time and space donated by several media companies.
Learn more: The AMA recently highlighted the influenza vaccine in “8 things doctors wish patients knew about flu vaccines,” part of its What Doctors Wish Patients Knew™ series.
The AMA also provides advice for how to talk to your patients—including with those who have previously expressed hesitancy—about vaccination for influenza, and what to say in response to some of the more commonly expressed concerns.
Also, read up on how physicians can prep for COVID-19, flu and RSV this season, which features insights from a recent CDC Project Firstline webinar.
