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Importance of Flu Shots


It's that time again. Don't take the risk this season.

Get your flu shot today!


Wednesday, September 1st, 2021Men's Health, Patient Education, Prevention, Women's Health
When is the flu vaccine recommended?

Influenza vaccination is recommended yearly for everyone 6 months of age and older – even (and especially) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Getting a flu vaccine every year is the best way to help prevent flu and its serious complications. An annual flu vaccination for a child can be lifesaving.

Will the flu vaccine protect you from COVID-19?

Even though getting a flu vaccine will not protect you against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, the vaccine can still reduce your risk of becoming seriously ill from the flu and even dying from it. In addition, getting your flu vaccine will also help keep you out of the hospital, leaving the beds for COVID-19 patients and others who need them.

Can you get sick with COVID-19 and the flu?

The answer is yes. You can get sick with COVID-19 and the flu at the same time.


Staying up to date on your flu vaccination can be lifesaving.


  • The CDC determined that the COVID-19 vaccine may now be safely administered with other vaccines.


Usually become available in September and are mostly administered throughout the fall. For the 2021-2022 season, 100% of the projected vaccine supply produced will be quadrivalent (4-component) vaccines. Check with your provider, clinic, or pharmacy to see exactly when these immunizations will be available, locally.


And get in line!


COVID-19 & Flu

Concerns Explained

There are concerns in the health field that a coronavirus/flu “twin-demic” could overwhelm the health care system. A more personal concern is, what could it do to your body, trying to fight both viruses at the same time?

This combination could be devastating to your immune system. The flu virus weakens your body and makes you more susceptible to the SarS-CoV-2 virus, and vice versa. It has been noted that, while both illnesses have been linked to pneumonia, the way they damage the lungs is much different. The flu can cause fluid buildup in certain cells in the lungs, while COVID-19 attacks the lungs by producing widespread blood clots in lung blood vessels.


There are actually many reasons to get a flu vaccine each year, not just during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic:

  • Can keep you from getting seriously sick with flu
  • Prevents thousands of hospitalizations each year
  • Is an important preventive tool for people with chronic health conditions
  • Can lower rates of some cardiac events among people with heart disease
  • Reduces complications for flu-related chronic lung disease in persons with COPD
  • Has been associated with fewer hospitalizations among people with diabetes
  • Helps protect women during and after pregnancy
  • Protects baby from flu for several months after birth when given to pregnant mother
  • Has been shown to reduce severity of illness in people who get vaccinated, but still get sick
  • Flu vaccine can be lifesaving in children
  • Getting vaccinated may also protect people around you who are more susceptible to serious flu illness, such as babies, young children, elderly, and those with chronic health conditions



Influenza "Flu" Vaccination

Remember, the flu vaccine cannot give you the flu.

It also does not increase your risk of COVID-19. But you might develop flu-like symptoms, despite getting a flu vaccine, for a variety of reasons, including:

  • Reaction to the vaccine. Some people experience muscle aches and a fever for a day or two after receiving a flu vaccine. This may be a side effect of your body’s production of protective antibodies.
  • The two-week window. It takes about two weeks for the flu shot to take full effect. If you’re exposed to the influenza virus shortly before or during that time period, you might catch the flu.
  • Mismatched flu viruses. In some years, the influenza viruses used for the vaccine don’t match the viruses circulating during the flu season. If this occurs, your flu shot will be less effective, but may still offer some protection.
  • Many other illnesses, such as the common cold, also produce flu-like symptoms. So you may think you have the flu when you actually don’t.


IN ADDITION TO GETTING YOUR FLU VACCINE EVERY YEAR...



Here are some other things you can do to help protect yourself and your loved ones from infectious diseases:

  • If you are sick, stay away from other people as much as possible to keep from infecting them
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or the bend of your arm; throw the tissue in the trash
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces in your home
  • Follow local public health advice




Resources:
  • www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/vaccine-benefits.htm
  • www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/vaxsupply.htm
  • www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pandemic-guidance/index.html
  • www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/in-depth/flu-shots/art-20048000
  • www.healthline.com/health-news/you-can-get-flu-and-covid19-at-the-same-time
  • https://vaccinateyourfamily.org/vaccines-diseases/current-flu-season
  • www.cnn.com/2020/09/11/health/covid-flu-together-health-impact/index.html
  • www.precisionvaccinations.com/when-should-we-get-flu-shots-year
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