Join us in protecting your loved ones from serious flu illness this season
Join Healthy Heart & Partners to Learn More About the Flu
What is the Flu?
Flu (Influenza) is a seasonal, contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. People 65 years and older, young children, and those with certain health conditions are at higher risk of flu complications.
Get Vaccinated
Make sure everyone you know gets the flu vaccine. The flu vaccine can help keep you from getting the flu, reduce the severity of illness if you do get the flu, and reduce the risk of flu-associated hospitalizations.
Preventative Measures
Avoid face-to-face contact with anyone sick. When holding sick children, place their chin on your shoulder to avoid coughing in your face. Wash your hands often with soap and water and after touching anyone who is sick. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer as an option. Wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces.
Health Equity & the Flu
Long-standing social and health inequities likely contribute to racial and ethnic minorities experiencing an unequal burden of severe flu outcomes. More can be found at the link to the Centers for Disease Control below.
Hear From Our Experts
Dr. Keith C. Ferdinand and Dr. Takeisha Davis share why getting your flu shot this season is essential — especially for those with heart disease.
Dr. Keith C. Ferdinand
Be Flu Ready NOLA — 2024
Dr. Takeisha Davis
Be Flu Ready NOLA — 2024
Be Flu Ready NOLA
Flu Ready NOLA — 2023
Why Flu Shots Matter for Heart Health
People with heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions are at higher risk for serious complications from the flu. The flu can trigger heart attacks, worsen heart failure, and lead to hospitalization. Getting vaccinated every year is a simple, proven way to protect your heart.
Higher risk of heart attack during flu season for those with heart disease
Reduction in flu-related illness with annual vaccination
Flu shots available at many community locations across New Orleans
Who Should Get a Flu Shot?
The CDC recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older. It is especially important for:
Adults 65 and older
Older adults are at higher risk for serious flu complications and benefit most from vaccination.
People with heart disease
Cardiovascular disease increases the risk of flu-related complications, including heart attack and stroke.
Pregnant women
Flu vaccination protects both mother and baby during and after pregnancy. ACOG endorses the CDC's Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule for Ages 19 Years or Older.
Young children
Children under 5, especially those under 2, are at high risk for serious flu complications.
People with chronic conditions
Diabetes, asthma, kidney disease, and other chronic conditions increase flu risk.
Healthcare workers & caregivers
Protecting yourself helps protect the vulnerable people in your care.
Flu Vaccination Information
Influenza (flu) vaccines (often called "flu shots") are usually given with a needle, to protect ourselves against the most common influenza viruses that research indicated for the upcoming season.
American Academy of Family Physicians
Information on immunizations and vaccines for patients and families.
National Foundation of Infectious Diseases
Resources and professional education about vaccines recommended across the lifespan, including children, adolescents, and adults.
CDC — Flu Vaccination Information
Information on flu disparities among racial and ethnic minority groups and flu vaccination guidance.
American Academy of Pediatrics
Flu vaccine information for children and adolescents.
Useful Toolkits to Help Educate Communities About the Flu
Resources for healthcare providers, community leaders, and families.
Health Champions Influenza (Flu) Communication Toolkits
The National Minority Quality Forum's (NMQF's) Center for Sustainable Health Care Quality and Equity (SHC) Flu Communication Toolkit includes valuable tips and information health care providers and local leaders can use to help educate their communities about flu. Each toolkit includes social media posts and graphics, informational handouts and messaging that can be used either electronically or downloaded for hard copies.
Learn MoreTools/Resources for Pregnant Women — ACOG
ACOG endorses the CDC's Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule for Ages 19 Years or Older, published and originally endorsed in 2024, including the recommendation that pregnant and lactating individuals receive the COVID-19 vaccine. ACOG does not endorse the CDC's most recent recommendations, dated May 29, 2025, which has removed the COVID-19 vaccine recommendation for pregnant and lactating individuals.
Learn MoreAmerican Academy of Pediatrics Flu Toolkit
This flu toolkit provides graphics, videos, sample social media posts and emails, articles and other resources to support and help families through the flu season and remind them why the flu vaccine is important.
Learn MoreVideos
Watch our community health experts share important flu prevention information.
Flu Ready NOLA Partners
Healthy Heart Community Prevention Project teams with the New Orleans Health Department and community partners to promote flu vaccines and protect our community.
View Our Partners