National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) is a national observance that was established to highlight the importance of continuing influenza vaccination, as well as foster greater use of flu vaccine after the holiday season into January and beyond. This year's NIVW will be held January 10-16, 2010.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID), the Infectious Disease Society of America, and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHCO) recommend annual influenza vaccinations for all health care personnel (HCP) because of their increased risk of contracting and transmitting influenza. By being vaccinated, HCP decrease their likelihood of contracting influenza and decrease the chance of infecting others. It is imperative for HCP to set an example for the patients they serve by being vaccinated and also by being informed with the most current influenza information in order to properly educate them.

NAEMT members are asked to observe National Influenza Week by ensuring that they have received both the seasonal and H1N1 vaccinations, encouraging their EMS co-workers to do the same, and educating their patients about the importance of influenza vaccinations.