Hello, my name is Jessica Holt and I am an advocate for flu vaccine awareness. But I am first and foremost a mom.

My son Joey Holt, an active, healthy 7 year-old, died on November 5, 2009 from complications stemming from the H1N1 flu virus. Joey was not vaccinated against the flu because I – like a lot of people – believed the flu was no big deal. I never thought something like this could happen to our family. After all, it was just the flu, right? Wrong! Influenza, “the flu,” is a deadly disease as I have come to learn the hard way. In fact according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more people die each year from the flu and resulting complications than from all vaccine-preventable diseases combined!

Since Joey’s death, we have formed the Joey Holt Foundation to focus on community outreach to educate parents, caregivers and our youth on the severity of the flu and the absolute importance of being vaccinated EVERY year.

I’m not sure what brought you here, but after you hear my story, please help me honor Joey’s life by spreading the word. If you simply share this link with at least one other person, you may save a life. I believe that if I had met me – a parent who wants to turn back the clock but can’t – before this happened, I would have taken action.  

Our love for Joey is the fuel that will continue to drive our advocacy on behalf of all people – especially moms – in hopes that another parent will never have to walk a day in my shoes.