Flu program’s “official” status ends

THRIVE, the initiative designed to promote the importance of flu vaccinations, no longer is an official Kiwanis service program, though clubs still are encouraged to partner with health providers or clinics in educating the public about influenza.

For the past few years, Kiwanis International has partnered with Novartis Vaccines in offering clubs opportunities to educate members and the public about influenza through THRIVE—Tackling Health Risks of Influenza with Vaccination and Education. When Novartis announced it was concluding its support of the program because of other commitments, Kiwanis weighed the value of the program against other service programs it offers and opted to discontinue it.

“We encourage clubs to actively participate in Read Around the World, Kiwanis Kids, and Kiwanis One Day,” stresses Elizabeth Warren, service program manager. “These are programs that are easy to implement and offer high reward to members, communities, and, most important, the children we serve. We also hope clubs continue working with Service Leadership Programs, collaborating on service projects, fundraisers, and other important events.”

Though THRIVE resources and educational materials no longer will be available, Kiwanis encourages clubs to partner with their local medical community in staging their own projects. A good source for general information about the flu is the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.