Image courtesy of Montgomery County, Pa.
County's inaugural campaign will help to educate area families about flu risks
The Montgomery County Immunization Coalition has announced its first ever #ItCanHappenToAnybody Digital Flu Campaign.
Partnering with Families Fighting Flu (FFF), a national, nonprofit, advocacy organization dedicated to honoring loved ones who have suffered serious medical complications or died from influenza, the goal of the campaign is to raise awareness of the dangers of the flu, and encourage Montgomery County residents to get their flu vaccine this season.
The #ItCanHappenToAnybody Flu Campaign focuses on Amanda's story. Montgomery County native Alissa Kanowitz’s life changed dramatically 20 years ago when she lost her 4-year-old daughter to the flu. Amanda went from a happy healthy little girl to dying from the flu only 48 hours after her first symptoms appeared.
In the short video, Alissa shares her story and how important it is to get your family vaccinated.
Alissa and her husband are founding members of Families Fighting Flu, who are marking their 20-year anniversary in 2024.
“We are so grateful to Families Fighting Flu and Alissa for sharing Amanda’s story with our residents,” said Beth Till, Program Manager, MCIC. “It is so inspiring to see the work these families do to help educate about the dangers of the flu and how to protect our families through vaccination.”
“Partnering with MCIC to raise awareness of the dangers of the flu, is a great example of the work Alissa and the other founding families envisioned when establishing Families Fighting Flu,” said Michele Slafkosky, Executive Director, FFF. “Alissa and all of our members are so passionate about education and awareness of the risks the flu can pose, and the importance of disease prevention.”
In addition to the video, MCIC has created a virtual toolkit to support the awareness campaign in educating the community on the importance of flu vaccines to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Montgomery County had 8,803 cases of flu during the 2023-2024 flu season.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccine. MCIC and their partners will be hosting community flu vaccine clinics in the coming weeks. Please check their webpage for more information.
About MCIC:
Founded in 2003, MCIC consists of a group of dedicated individuals representing various Health & Human Services offices including, Public Health and Senior Services, as well as schools, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, non-profits, and community representatives across Montgomery County. Our mission is to promote age-appropriate immunizations across the lifespan for all residents of Montgomery County.
About Families Fighting Flu:
Founded in 2004, Families Fighting Flu, (FFF) is a national, nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to honoring loved ones who have suffered serious medical complications or died from influenza. The organization is commemorating 20 years of advocacy protecting children, families, and all communities from the flu.
