Every flu season signs pop up like dandelions telling people why they “need” to get their flu shots — especially in and around pharmacies and grocery stores. This stuff is all Madison Avenue hype.

For example, some years back the National Immunization Program devised a plan to promote vaccinations by spreading fear. They recommended a campaign that included:

Step 1: Planting seeds — seeds of fear — in people’s minds early in the season by displaying posters, fliers and media campaign material.

Step 2: Pronouncements that the “new” flu strain “will be associated with severe illness and serious outcomes.” Every year, we are told the myth of the “36,000 who die every year of the flu.”

Step 3: Use of local and national “medical experts and public health authorities” to emphasize alarm and impart statewide concern.

Step 4: Release of reports through the media of alarm and fear that this season’s flu will be especially severe and that many people will be susceptible.

Step 5: Most importantly, continued emphasis of the importance of vaccines.

Don’t be fooled by the hype.