Time for a Flu Shot?

Avoid the chance of a worse COVID-19 infection — This year it’s especially important to get vaccinated against influenza, as the flu virus will be circulating at the same time as the coronavirus.

If you get both the flu & coronavirus at the same time? it could make your COVID-19 infection much worse.

So– Get your flu vaccine as early as possible. And get your COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can, if you haven’t already.

Can I get both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time?

Yes. The CDC supports getting both vaccines on the same day. If you qualify for a third COVID-19 vaccine dose, you may be able to get it at the same time as the flu vaccine.

Protect yourself – Your chance of getting the flu is greatly reduced by getting the flu vaccine. And even if you do get sick, serious complications are far less likely. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over six months of age.

I heard about a high-dose flu vaccine. Who should get it?

The CDC recommends the high-dose flu vaccine for people 65 or older.

Protect those around you – Did you know you could spread the flu to others even if you never show a symptom? Yes, just like COVID-19.

Can I be “asymptomatic” and still have the flu?

About one in three people infected with the flu virus are carriers who don’t get sick themselves. So even if you’re not worried about getting the flu or COVID-19 yourself, get both vaccines to protect your parents, spouse, kids, coworkers, and the person who bags your groceries.

Does the vaccine cause the flu?

No. People who get sick after getting the flu shot (intramuscular shoulder injection) were already exposed, or got exposed during the two weeks it takes for your immunity to build up. The injection can’t cause the flu because it doesn’t contain a live virus. Some people who receive the vaccine in their noses may get mild cold symptoms. The nasal spray vaccine contains a weak version of a live flu virus.

What time is the right time for a flu shot? What if I wait too long?

Although the flu season runs from October through March, it is hard to find the vaccine after December. The CDC recommends you get your vaccine in October because it protects you through the whole season. But getting the flu vaccine any time during the flu season will provide you with more protection than you’ll have without it. Get it early in the season.

Any exceptions?

What if I’m pregnant? – Pregnancy and several chronic conditions actually pose higher risk from the flu. Which means it’s even more important to get vaccinated. Most people with egg allergy can get the flu vaccine, too.

The latest recommendations from the CDC are that the only people who SHOULD NOT get a flu injection are:

• Children under 6 months
• People who had a past serious life-threatening reaction to the flu vaccine

People who SHOULD NOT get a nasal spray vaccine are:

• Children under 2 and adults 50 and older
• Pregnant women
• People with severe, life-threatening allergies to the flu vaccine or any ingredient in the vaccine
• Children ages 2 to 17 who are taking medications that contain aspirin or salicylate
• People with weakened immune systems (immunocompromised)
• People who care for or are in close contact with severely immunocompromised persons who require a protected environment (If you do receive the nasal vaccine, avoid contact with those people for 7 days after getting the vaccine.)
• Children ages 2 to 4 who have asthma or who have had a history of wheezing in the past 12 months
• People who have taken influenza antiviral drugs within the previous 48 hours

Okay, it’s time for a flu shot. Where do I go?

Flu vaccination is free to anyone enrolled in a health plan, and it’s widely available at pharmacies, doctor’s offices, and many other places.

This article was adapted from https://brighthealthcare.com/brighter-life/why-get-a-flu-shot

 

Hi, I’m Daniel O’Connell. I help Texans with their health insurance. You can read more about me here.