Get Ready for Flu Day
Protecting Native Communities Before Flu Season
Every September, the nation observes Get Ready for Flu Day, a campaign encouraging people to prepare for the upcoming flu season. For Native American and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities, this reminder carries significant weight. Influenza can disproportionately affect Native populations due to higher rates of chronic illnesses, limited access to culturally competent healthcare, and barriers in preventive care. For Native people living in urban centers such as New York City, where cultural identity intersects with the challenges of city life, preparing for flu season is about safeguarding not only individual health but also community resilience.
Why the Flu Matters
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), influenza causes 9 million to 41 million illnesses annually in the U.S., with 140,000 to 710,000 hospitalizations and up to 52,000 deaths in severe seasons.
AI/AN people are 1.3 times more likely to be hospitalized from flu compared to non-Hispanic whites (CDC, 2021).
Native elders and children are especially vulnerable due to higher prevalence of conditions like asthma, diabetes, and heart disease, which increase flu complications.
Flu not only causes health burdens—it can disrupt family life, employment, and cultural events. Preventing influenza means ensuring Native traditions and gatherings remain strong during the fall and winter months.
A Story from the Community
A Mohawk elder living in the Bronx shared that she used to avoid flu shots because she believed they would “make her sick.” But after experiencing a severe flu that landed her in the hospital, she began receiving the vaccine annually. “Now I tell everyone in my community to get the flu shot. It’s better to feel a little sore for a day than to lose weeks of your life—or risk not being here for your family.”
Her story reflects a common concern among Native communities: mistrust of vaccines. However, education and personal stories can shift perceptions toward prevention and safety.
Prevention Strategies
Annual Flu Vaccination
The flu vaccine is the most effective prevention tool.
Recommended for everyone 6 months and older, with priority for elders, young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses.
Both standard flu shots and nasal sprays are available, and high-dose vaccines are designed for older adults.
Healthy Lifestyle
Good nutrition, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep strengthen the immune system.
Traditional Native foods such as beans, corn, squash, berries, and fish can help support health.
Handwashing & Hygiene
Wash hands often, cover coughs/sneezes, and avoid close contact with sick individuals.
In communal spaces, encourage sanitizing high-touch areas.
Managing Chronic Conditions
Keeping diabetes, asthma, and heart disease under control lowers the risk of flu-related complications.
Accessing Health Services
Plan ahead by identifying clinics that provide flu vaccines and antiviral treatments.
Urban Natives can access both mainstream services and culturally supportive organizations like Urban Indian Health Programs.
Importance for Native American Communities
For Native Americans, flu prevention is about protecting the entire community:
Elders are vital culture keepers, and their health is essential for maintaining traditions.
Children are the future and need to stay healthy to thrive in school and life.
Gatherings and ceremonies depend on community health—widespread illness disrupts cultural continuity.
Urban Native populations, including the over 50,000 Native people living in New York City, face additional challenges. Many rely on Medicaid or safety-net programs, and not all have consistent access to culturally competent healthcare. Flu awareness campaigns can bridge these gaps.
What Families Can Do
Make flu shots a family event: Schedule everyone’s vaccinations together.
Educate through stories: Share experiences about why prevention matters.
Support elders: Help them get to clinics for vaccines and appointments.
Keep children healthy: Encourage handwashing and provide balanced meals to strengthen immunity.
Role of the New York Indian Council (NYIC)
The New York Indian Council can play a vital role in preparing Native communities for flu season by:
Educational Campaigns: Hosting workshops to dispel myths about flu vaccines.
Service Connections: Helping community members find free or low-cost vaccination clinics in NYC.
Cultural Advocacy: Ensuring materials and services are provided in a way that respects Native identity and traditions.
Community Events: Coordinating flu shot drives alongside cultural gatherings, reinforcing prevention as a community responsibility.
Elder Support: Arranging transportation or home visits for elders who need assistance accessing vaccines.
Through these efforts, NYIC ensures that flu prevention becomes part of a broader strategy of protecting Native health, culture, and resilience.
Recommendations for Native Community Members
Get Vaccinated Early: September and October are the best months to receive the flu shot.
Encourage Community Protection: Share reminders at gatherings and events.
Monitor Symptoms: Seek care if you develop high fever, severe cough, or breathing difficulty.
Combine Western and Traditional Knowledge: Use traditional remedies for comfort, but also follow medical guidance for prevention and treatment.
Stay Informed: Rely on trusted sources such as the CDC, IHS, and Native organizations.
Conclusion
Get Ready for Flu Day reminds us that preparing for flu season is not just an individual choice—it’s a community responsibility. For Native Americans, it means protecting elders, children, and cultural traditions. By combining vaccines, healthy living, and community support, Native communities can face flu season with resilience.
With leadership from the New York Indian Council, Native people in New York City can access education, support, and health services that honor their identity while ensuring strong and healthy communities.
