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Here’s Everything You Need to Spread the Word About Flu Vaccines
By Tammy Wishard

COVID-19_Flu_Awareness

Today is Texas Influenza Awareness Day, which the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) designated to stress the importance of every Texan over 6 months old receiving a seasonal flu vaccine. 

But, of course, that message is important any time, and especially during a serious health crisis like the COVID-10 pandemic.

That’s why the Texas Medical Association’s Be Wise – ImmunizeSM program has created several tools and resources you can use to get the word out today and throughout flu season:

  • This downloadable poster, in English and Spanish, offers five flu facts to support the importance and safety of flu vaccination. You can print copies to post in your office or other public places or download and share on social media.
  • Amplify the message throughout your community with one of four pre-written letters to the editor to send your local newspaper. You can also use them as a template to customize a letter, especially if you have local statistics or stories to include. Check out these tips for writing a letter to the editor.

To order Be Wise materials, scan and email this form to TMA. 

From DSHS find:

  • A wealth of facts, tools, and resources on its webpage, including flu/COVID information and a link to federal VaccineFinder.org, where you can find vaccination locations.  
  • The DSHS flu YouTube playlist, which features videos such as a new flu animated digital ad in English/Spanish on prevention messaging and vaccines, and new mask-wearing ads targeted to 18- to 34-year-olds.

In addition, the American Medical Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Ad Council will host a webinar from 2 to 3:30 pm (CT) Thursday, Oct. 8, on a new flu vaccination public service announcement campaign. Register online.

Be Wise – Immunize is a joint initiative led by TMA physicians, medical students, and the TMA Alliance. It is funded in 2020 by the TMA Foundation, thanks to major support from H-E-B and Permian Basin Youth Chavarim. 

Be Wise — Immunize is a service mark of the Texas Medical Association.t any time, and especially during a serious health crisis like the COVID-10 pandemic.

Last Updated On

September 06, 2023

Originally Published On

October 01, 2020

Related Content

Be Wise Immunize | Coronavirus | Influenza

Tammy Wishard

Account Manager, Division of Communications and Marketing

(512) 370-1470
tammy.wishard[at]texmed[dot]org  
Tammy Wishard

Tammy Wishard is an account manager in TMA’s Marketing Department. She works with TMA’s Office of Trust Fund Administration and other departments to help communicate the broad range of services and resources TMA offers its members. She has a 25-plus-year history with TMA, where she started as a writer/editor. Tammy, a proud Iowa native, is a graduate of Abilene Christian University.

More stories by Tammy Wishard  

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