More partners join campaign, mainly on social media, to encourage flu vaccinations to prevent a 'twindemic' with covid-19

The campaign to amplify the importance of all Kentuckians receiving a flu shot, particularly amid the coronavirus pandemic, has some new partners.

Aetna Better Health of Kentucky, Humana, WellCare of Kentucky and the Kentucky Hospital Association have joined the original partners – the Kentucky Medical Association, the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Kentucky – in the “Raise Your Guard, KY: Focus on Flu” campaign for a special focus on flu vaccinations.

The campaign will be primarily centered on social media, with each organization promoting the benefits of flu vaccination. Last year, more than 27,408 cases of flu were reported in Kentucky, which resulted in 162 deaths.

KMA President Dale Toney said in a press release that his group and the foundation “worked together on a very successful campaign” a few years ago. Dr. Jeff Reynolds, Anthem's medical director, emphasized the importance of preventing a "twindemic" of flu and covid-19.

“We must all work to preserve our state’s hospitals and healthcare workers so they can be prepared for a potential influx of COVID-19 patients,” Reynolds said. “By encouraging everyone to get a flu vaccine, we can reduce the impact of influenza in Kentucky.”

Dr. Howard Shaps, WellCare's chief Kentucky medical officer, said, “To help protect against the flu, we encourage members to schedule their vaccination appointments as soon as possible. Since it can take two weeks after getting the vaccine for the antibodies that protect against the flu to fully develop, it’s best to get a flu vaccine as early in the season if possible.”

More on the campaign is available at RaiseYourGuardKY.org/Flu.