Health Observances

Young girl marking a calendar with a pencil

The CMS Office of Minority Health welcomes your participation in promoting observances throughout the year to raise awareness about health issues affecting people across our nation. Share our resources on prevention, health equity, and research about health disparities.

A woman receiving a flu vaccination in a doctors office

Spotlight

Share vaccine resources for National Influenza Vaccination Week

From December 2-6, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health (CMS OMH) marks National Influenza Vaccination Week by highlighting vaccine disparities and encouraging everyone to get their flu shot, which can reduce the risk of illness, hospitalization, and death.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that flu was associated with up to 75 million illnesses, 33 million medical visits, 900,000 hospitalizations, and 100,000 deaths during the 2023-2024 flu season. While everyone 6 months and older should receive a flu shot each year, people with a higher risk of serious complications from the flu—including pregnant people and children—should especially ensure that their vaccines are up to date. Black, Hispanic, and American Indian and Alaska Native adults are consistently less likely to get a flu shot, with fewer than half receiving their flu shot in 2021-2022. Rural residents are also less likely to get their flu shot than people in urban areas.

Our Immunization and Vaccine Resources webpage has flu and vaccine information to help raise awareness this flu season. We encourage you to share these resources and the others listed below with those you serve during National Influenza Vaccination Week.