Thursday, October 3, 2019

Princess Leia Joins the Resistance to Fight.... the Flu

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...



It is a period of increasing flu activity.


Rebel forces, striking from local doctors offices and pharmacies, have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Influenza Virus.


During the battle, Rebel spies managed to vaccinate against the Virus's ultimate weapon, Influenza, a debilitating virus with enough power to incapacitate healthy people.


Pursued by the Virus's sinister strains, Princess Leia races home aboard her starship, custodian of quadrivalent vaccine that can save her people and maintain health in the galaxy...


There are a few things in my life that define me. I am a mother and a wife, I am a nurse, and I am a geek and a glutton for attention.  Several years ago I joined Nurses Who Vaccinate and became a fierce vaccine advocate, eventually having the honor of being appointed Advocacy Coordinator. I strive to dispel misinformation and help people understand the benefits of vaccination. But, I have to be me!

As a self proclaimed geek and attention glutton I probably have more costumes than a woman of advancing years should. It seems only natural to combine my passions! I recently began putting out an annual pop culture flu vaccine advocacy meme. This year’s theme is Star Wars, specifically Princess Leia. Leia is a leader, fighting to lead her people through difficult times. Sometimes she just knows that she just has to tell people like it is. That was what I was hoping to achieve this year. 

Tell it like it is. 

Flu can be deadly.

While the vaccine may not always prevent flu, it can reduce hospitalizations by 74% for children, 57% for the elderly, 79% for diabetics and 52% for those with chronic lung conditions. It can also protect newborns if the mother is vaccinated while pregnant

So listen to Leia. 




Roll up your sleeve flyboy! 

Get your flu shot! 

And May The Vax Be With You!


Lori Boyle, RN, MSN, AGPCNP-BC, WCC, CWS
Lori has been in nursing for more than 20 years. While in graduate school, she became aware of how many people were misunderstanding the science of vaccination and falling for misinformation. Since that time she has made it her mission to help people understand that the value and safety of vaccination as recommended, far outweighs the risks. In addition to Nurses Who Vaccinate she is also a member of Voices for Vaccines and the NJ Immunization Network.