As school starts and summer comes to a close, here are reasons why you should get your flu shot!
COVID-19 and The Flu
According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) says: “While it’s not possible to say with certainty what will happen in the fall and winter, CDC believes it’s likely that flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will both be spreading. In this context, getting a flu vaccine will be more important than ever.”
Here are two essential facts about COVID-19 and the flu: (1) There is no evidence that the flu vaccine will increase your risk of getting COVID-19. (2) While the flu shot will not prevent you from getting COVID-19, it will help prevent you from getting the flu, which can be just as dangerous. It also helps healthcare providers keep enough resources to continue to help the community during these hard times. One of the best ways to stay healthy is preventive actions!
Additional Protection for Pregnant Women
Not only is the vaccine crucial for children and older adults, but it also protects women who are or have just been pregnant. Research shows that vaccines:
- Reduce the risk of flu-associated acute respiratory infection for pregnant women by 50%
- Reduces the risk of a pregnant woman from being hospitalized by the flu by 40%
- Help protect the baby from the flu months after they are born since babies first immunizations start after two months after they are born
Besides getting the flu vaccine to protect pregnant women from the flu, we also recommend practicing preventative actions to avoid those who are sick. Please speak to your doctor with any questions about getting your flu vaccine.
How to Get the Flu Shot during a Pandemic
You may be wondering what the safest practices in getting your flu shot while the coronavirus is still out there are. Here are what experts and the CDC recommend:
- Yes, you should still get your flu shot, even if COVID-19 is still active in your community. To protect your health and others while getting the flu shot, here are the CDC’s recommendations for running essential errands, doctor visits, and everyday preventive actions.
- Speak to your doctor, pharmacist, or where ever you plan on getting your vaccine from if they are following the CDC’s vaccination pandemic guidelines – these places should be safest for you to get your flu vaccine.
- High-risk individuals should speak to their doctor about the safest practices and places to receive their flu shots. It’s as important as ever for high-risk individuals to get the flu vaccine this year, as safely as possible.
- You can get your vaccines at health departments or pharmacies if you do not have a primary care doctor. You can also use VaccineFinder.org to find the closest locations for flu vaccinations.
If you have additional questions and concerns about vaccines, consult with a doctor. Here at Mt. Auburn, we recommend getting your flu shot sooner than later, especially to avoid low supplies should that happen.
You can also read more about immunization from the CDC at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/. If you are pregnant and have specific questions about flu vaccines, you can reach out to us at any of our three locations.