Don’t Forget To Get Your Flu Shot

I know we’re all concerned about COVID but there’s another nasty respiratory virus looming on the horizon…the flu. And yes, given the headlines of the last year, it sounds almost quaint to be worrying about it, but the truth is, the flu is potentially lethal -- if not to us, then to someone we love. 

But we can totally kick its butt. 

Last year’s flu numbers were low, but that doesn’t mean the flu hasn’t gone away.  We were just being COVID smart, and the precautions we were taking for that also helped dampen flu transmission rates. You know, wearing masks, working remotely and practicing physical distancing.  This stuff really works!

Another Shot 

We understand: getting another jab isn’t at the top of everyone’s ‘To Do’ list, but it’s important to remember that the flu vaccine has been proven to be extremely effective.  

During  2019-2020 flu, vaccination prevented an estimated 7.5 million influenza illnesses, 3.7 million influenza-associated medical visits, 105,000 influenza-associated hospitalizations, and 6,300 influenza-associated deaths.

So it makes good sense to get that shot and stay safe and healthy.  And in case you didn’t know,  the COVID vaccine won’t protect you from the flu virus. You still need your flu shot. Yes, both are infectious respiratory diseases, and they share some similar symptoms. However, they are caused by different viruses.

Pretty much everyone over the age of 6 months can get a flu shot. Kids 8 and younger who are getting the flu shot for the first time need two doses, given a month apart. The exceptions are people whose doctors have recommended not getting the shot because of previous adverse reactions -- but these types of severe reactions are extremely rare. 

And while there are no guarantees that the vaccine will stop you from getting the flu, it is very likely to reduce your chances of extreme illness, hospitalization, and death.   

[Any time is a good time to get a flu shot. But right now is an even better time to get it!  

Flu season starts in October. Cases start to rise near the end of October and that’s just before the kids start trick or treating (link to welfie article) and before people start travelling for  Thanksgiving and then travelling for Christmas. 

The Flu Shot FAQ

I have an allergy eggs. Is it safe for me get the flu shot?

Most flu shots and sprays contain a small amount of egg proteins but studies have both have found that allergic reactions are extremely rare. There are egg-free vaccines are available: Flublok Quadrivalent (for people 18 and older) and Flucelvax Quadrivalent (which is approved for age 2 and up). If you have a history of severe allergic reaction to eggs, the CDC recommends you get your shot at a location where the staff can treat you if a rare allergic reaction does occur. Also, be sure to talk to your doctor before rolling up your sleeve.

Is it safe to get my flu and COVID shot at the same time? 

Yes! It is safe to get both vaccines at once. Just be mindful that you’ll likely get each shot in a different arm to reduce any discomfort that might occur.

Is it safe for pregnant women to get a flu shot?

If you are in your third trimester of pregnancy, you can get a flu shot. Bonus? If you get the shot (and not the nasal spray), you’ll pass on the protection to your newborn baby. 

Finally

It’s not worth risking passing on a flu shot. The pandemic is still here and most hospitals are overwhelmed with COVID cases. If you’re vaccinated against both, your chances of ending up in an already-full hospital are greatly lessened – especially if you’re doing all the right things, like wearing a mask, washing your hands and practicing social distancing.