Getting the flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself against flu. Certain groups are more at-risk, and can get a free flu vaccine. Flu Learn about the symptoms of flu and how to tell the difference between a flu, a cold and COVID-19. Flu vaccine overview The best time to get the flu vaccine is before the flu season starts ...
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If you havent had or been vaccinated against COVID-19 in the last few months, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says you should get a new booster shot this fall. The latest shots, which were authorized in late August and are available now, were designed to target currently circulating Omicron variants.
The new boosters can be given at the same time as a seasonal flu shot, the CDC says. But should you get both jabs at once, or space them out? Its a simple question with a surprisingly complex answer.
Though the opinion isnt universal, many experts, including White House medical adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci, say you should get your COVID-19 booster as soon as youre eligiblewhich is at least two months after your last vaccine dose or three months after your last SARS-CoV-2 infection. In a recent podcast interview, Dr. Ashish Jha, the White Houses COVID-19 response coordinator, recommended getting boosted by Halloween to ensure youre protected for the holidays and the usual winter virus season.
Get it now. If youve been vaccinated or [recently] infected, its fine to wait a little longer, Jha said. But dont wait too long. Dont wait until you get into late November, December. Do it sooner rather than later.
Jhas suggested booster timing lines up with the CDCs advice on flu shots, which is to get vaccinated by the end of October. And he has suggested that people get both shots at once. I really believe this is why God gave us two armsone for the flu shot and the other one for the COVID shot, Jha said during a recent press briefing.
Read More: COVID-19 Is Still Messing Up Our Sleep. Heres How to Sleep Better
It is safe to get both shots on the same day. Both vaccines can cause side effectsincluding soreness at the injection site, headache, fever, nausea, fatigue, and muscle achesso while you may feel crummy if you double up, theres no medical reason to avoid doing so. If a person wants to get both at the same time, they can, says Dr. Alicia Fry, chief of the epidemiology and prevention branch within the CDCs influenza division. If that works for that person, that is a very efficient use of their time.
Dr. Richard Zimmerman, who directs the Pittsburgh Vaccination Research Group and has served on the CDCs vaccine advisory committee, agrees that now is a good time to get a COVID-19 booster, since case counts remain high across the country. (Zimmerman got his Omicron booster in early September.) But in his opinion, September is a little early to get a flu shot.
The ideal is to time vaccines before the season of whichever infectious disease it is, he says. Influenza season typically happens from December to March, so Im personally holding off on my flu vaccine until October or November.
A 2021 study found that flu shot efficacy wanes by roughly 10% each month after vaccinationso if someone gets vaccinated against the flu in September, they may be vulnerable to the virus if theyre exposed in February or March. Another study, which was published in 2019 and looked specifically at elderly adults, found that if all seniors who normally get vaccinated against the flu got their shots starting in October, instead of August or September, more than 11,000 cases of influenza among older adults could be avoided in a typical season. The CDC says its okay to get vaccinated in November or later, since influenza can circulate until May.
Theres another complicating factor, though. Scientists in the U.S. often look to Australia, which has its flu season during the U.S. spring and summer, to predict whats going to happen in the U.Sand Australia had an unusually early flu season this year. The flu isnt widely circulating in the U.S. yet, but based on what happened in Australia, its possible that will change soon. This year, I do think theres some rationale to getting the influenza vaccine early in the fall, says Dr. Brandon Webb, an infectious disease specialist at Utahs Intermountain Medical Center.
Clearly, plenty of variables go into gaming out the ideal vaccination schedule. For people at high risk of severe COVID-19 or influenza, it may be worth having a conversation with a health care provider to weigh those specificsbut most people dont need to stress too much about timing, Zimmerman says. In the end, the best time to get vaccinated is whenever youll actually do it. And if getting a flu shot and a COVID-19 booster simultaneously is the only way youll get both, a two-shot appointment may be the way to go.
For some people, its hard to get to the doctor or a medical facility. For them, the convenience of having both vaccines at the same time may outweigh the risk of waning [protection], Zimmerman says. If you dont get in because youre trying to time it perfectly, youll be left with no protection at all.
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Should You Get Your COVID-19 Booster and Flu Shot at the Same Time? - TIME
Flu season is quickly approaching.
Because of that, the DeKalb County Board of Health announced that it is hosting a drive-thru flu vaccination event from 8 a.m. until noon, at Dunwoody High School.
This event is focused on adults aged 18 and older, seniors aged 65 and older who may need a high-dose vaccine for added protection, those who are immunocompromised or have chronic health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease), and pregnant women. Pediatric flu vaccines will be given at regional health center locations during regular business hours.
The three types of flu vaccine available are standard, Flublok, and high dose.
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All patients are asked to bring their insurance information and photo ID. Flu shots are available at no cost with most private insurance and Medicare. The Board of Health accepts Aetna, Amerigroup, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Cigna, Medicaid, Medicare Part B, Peach State Health Plan (including PeachCare for Kids), and State Health Benefit Plan (excluding Kaiser Permanente).
If you are not insured, or your plan doesnt cover the flu shot, its available for a low cost. Cash, checks drawn on banks with branch locations in Georgia, and credit/debit cards are accepted. Other forms of insurance may be accepted, but you are asked to call ahead to verify acceptance.
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After this event, flu shots will be available on an appointment and walk-in basis Monday through Friday between 8:15 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays recognized by the State of Georgia, at the following regional health center locations:
Clifton Springs Health Center, 3110 Clifton Springs Rd.oad, Decatur
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East DeKalb Health Center, 2277 S. Stone Mountain-Lithonia Rd.Road, Lithonia
North DeKalb Health Center, 3807 Clairmont Rd.Road NE, Chamblee
T.O. Vinson Health Center, 440 Winn Way, Decatur
For more information about the flu or the DeKalb County Board of Healths immunization programs, including onsite worksite or community flu clinics, visit dekalbhealth.net/flu or call 404-294-3700.
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By: Joseph Martz, MD, MercyOne Clinton Family Medicine
Throughout my years in family medicine, when it comes to the flu, I have heard it all. And it seems like there is no shortage of misinformation and misunderstanding. So, lets dispel some of these misconceptions so we can all have a safe and healthy season.
Myth: You can catch influenza from the flu vaccine.
Thats totally false. Modern flu vaccines do not have any flu-like properties in them so it is impossible to catch the virus from them. It is common to feel ill after getting the vaccine but that doesnt mean you contracted the flu. Its just your body responding to the vaccine and creating its natural immunities and thats good. There are some intranasal preparations of flu vaccine which do contain the live virus, however all injectable forms of the flu vaccination do not contain a live virus and cannot cause infection.
Myth: Getting the flu vaccination is all you need to do to protect yourself from influenza.
Although getting the flu vaccine is the most important thing you can do to protect yourself against the flu, there are also other methods you can use in combination with the vaccine to protect yourself and others around you. You can use good hygiene and wash your hands thoroughly and regularly. Using hand sanitizer also helps and covering your mouth when you are sneezing. Actively using your face mask is also a great way to not only decrease your chances of catching the flu but also preventing you from spreading the flu virus to your family and friends.
Myth: The flu is just a bad cold.
Anyone that has had the flu can tell you this is not the case. Influenza is fundamentally different from the cold, the symptoms can be similar, but it is more severe for certain people. Its much more serious than the cold and should be taken much more seriously.
Myth: You don't need to get a flu shot every year.
Its important to get the flu vaccine every year because every year the vaccine is different. Each year professionals develop advancements in the flu vaccine. They use data gathered from previous years and use their research to accurately predict the possible strain of flu that could be prevalent during flu season the following year. With each year and new information available, they enhance the flu vaccine giving you the best chance to protect yourself.
Myth:Healthy people don't need to be vaccinated.
Although there is a much lower risk of getting a severe reaction from the flu if you are healthy, remember that its your job to protect your family, friends, neighbors and people around you. Because of that, they are at a much lower risk of getting the flu.
Myth: Vitamin C cures the influenza.
There is no evidence to support that consumption of vitamin C will cure the influenza. The best way to protect yourself is to get the vaccines, use good hygiene and wash your hands thoroughly and regularly. Using hand sanitizer also helps and covering your mouth when you are sneezing. Actively use your face mask. You should also maintain your hydration and contact your health care provider if you start experiencing flu like symptoms or your symptoms get worse.
Dr. Joseph Martz is a board-certified family medicine provider at MercyOne Clinton North Health Plaza and you can contact 563-243-2511 to schedule an appointment.
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The Linn County Health Department in Brookfield will hold a curbside flu shot clinic for adults at least 65 years old.
High-dose flu vaccine will be available in the back parking lot of the health department on September 29th from 9 am to 4 pm by appointment only. Participants should bring their Medicare or Medicaid cards to their appointment.
An appointment can be scheduled at this link or you may call the health department to schedule an appointment for September 29th at 660-258-7251.
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Linn County Health Department to hold flu shot clinic for those 65 and older - kttn
BATON ROUGE, La. Governor John Bel Edwards and Louisiana Department of Health leadership received their seasonal flu and updated COVID-19 booster shots today at Our Lady of the Lake's North Baton Rouge Clinic. They urged other Louisianans to stay up to date on their vaccines as we head into the fall.
The new bivalent COVID-19 booster provides protection against variants of the virus that are now circulating. The flu vaccine offers added protection against respiratory illness. LDH recommends all Louisianans get the new bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine and the flu vaccine to protect against severe illness that could lead to hospitalization.
Before COVID-19 emerged in 2020, Louisiana had very active flu seasons in 2017 and 2018. In the 2017-18 flu season, an estimated 1,300 people died after becoming ill with flu and an additional 18,000 people were hospitalized. In the 2018-19 flu season, LDH estimates 1,000 people died and 14,000 people were hospitalized.
After two years of mild flu seasons due to COVID-19 mitigation efforts like mask wearing and social distancing, U.S. health officials including LDH are preparing for what could be an active flu season. Some countries in the southern hemisphere, which can be predictors of flu activity in the northern hemisphere, are experiencing their most severe flu season in five years.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates the 20192020 season, considered to be a "normal" season, included 38 million people getting sick with flu nationwide. Healthcare providers received 18 million visits due to flu, and there were an estimated 400,000 hospitalizations and 22,000 flu deaths.
Even an average flu season coupled with increased COVID-19 transmission this fall or winter could strain Louisiana's healthcare system.
CDC has recommended bivalent formulations of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use as a single booster dose at least two months following primary or booster vaccination. These updated boosters are formulated to offer continued protection against the original strain, while also offering better protection against the two lineages of the Omicron variant, BA.4 and BA.5, that represent over 90% of currently circulating virus.
This past Saturday, I got to watch LSU and Southern play in Tiger Stadium along with 100,000 plus fans. I was reminded just how far weve come in making our way back to normal. But we have to remember that COVID is still here, and we are currently coming down from our sixth and longest surge," Gov. Edwards said. "Every day we are still reporting COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths, and the best way to prevent serious illness is to stay up-to-date on your vaccinations. I also want to urge everyone to get their flu shot as we enter flu season. Remember, it is safe to receive your COVID booster and flu shot at the same time, as I did today.
"As summer winds down, we celebrate the start of a new school year, the return of football season and gatherings with family and friends over the holidays. To enjoy this season to the fullest, we urge you to protect yourself and your loved ones by getting the updated COVID booster and the flu vaccine," LDH Secretary Dr. Courtney N. Phillips said. "The updated booster offers continued protection against the original strain of COVID while also keeping you better protected against the newer variants behind nearly all current infections. The flu vaccine is also critical, as we anticipate an active flu season. My 11-year-old son and I get our vaccinations each year to stay healthy and able to fully engage in work, school and fun activities. Along with reducing doctors visits and missed work and school, flu vaccination can reduce serious flu complications that can lead to hospitalization and even death. We encourage Louisiana residents to get both the updated COVID booster and flu vaccine, so we can enjoy this time together in good health."
"As we enter fall, we continue to come down from our sixth and longest COVID-19 surge and life in Louisiana feels relatively back to normal. Our aim is to keep it that way," said LDH State Health Officer Dr. Joseph Kanter. "Unfortunately, COVID-19 will be with us for a while. And even an average flu season paired with increased COVID-19 transmission could put a strain on our hospitals and their ability to provide care -- and many experts are forecasting the U.S. will have an above average flu season. That is why I am getting both my updated COVID-19 booster and flu shot today, and I urge everyone who is eligible to make a plan today to do the same."
The flu has a tremendous impact on school attendance and on the families of school children. Twenty-eight percent of school-aged children get the flu each year, and for every 100 children, flu accounts for 63 missed school days a year. Also, of every 100 children who get the flu, 25 family members will come down with the flu within three days.
Go tovaccines.govto find nearby vaccination locations for the new COVID-19 booster and flu shot. Louisiana residents who have questions about the flu or COVID-19 vaccines and where to find them can also call 211.
Ideally, everyone six (6) months of age and older should get their flu shot by the end of October. Thats because it can take time for your body to recognize and respond to the vaccine. Since flu activity can last as late as May, Louisianans are encouraged to get a flu shot sooner rather than later.
CDC and LDH recommend that people ages 12 years and older receive 1 bivalent mRNA booster at least two months after completion of the two-dose primary series and any additional boosters. This booster replaces all prior booster recommendations for this age group:
In addition to flu vaccines, there are other ways you can fight the flu:
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Experts urge families not to delay getting a flu shot as soon as it's available, which is especially important for kids who may need two doses.
ATLANTA The American Academy of Pediatrics recently released its 2022-2023 influenza vaccine guidelines, recommending that "all children ages 6 months and older be vaccinated for influenza this fall, as vaccines remain the best way to prevent severe illness and keep kids in classrooms."
In addition, the AAP emphasized some kids may need two doses of the flu shot this year for protection.
The guidelines come as doctors see an increase in flu activity reported in Georgia, ahead of the regular flu season.
"We've lost seasonal patterns we're used to," Dr. Matt Linam, with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, explained. "I think it's that long period of time where everyone was isolating at home threw off natural immunity. We have whole cohorts of children that were never exposed to these things in the past."
In addition, the AAP reports flu vaccination levels dropped last year, with only 55% of children vaccinated to protect against influenza.
This year, the AAP urges families not to delay, saying prompt immunization against the flu is vital for kids who need two doses.
CHILDREN WHO MAY NEED TWO DOSES OF THE FLU VACCINE
According to the AAP, kids who should receive two doses of influenza vaccine, at least four weeks apart, include:
All other children should receive one dose this season. In addition, the AAP recommends:
WHEN TO GET A FLU SHOT
"Flu before boo," Dr. Linam said. "It's just a great reminder to get your flu shot in before Halloween, and for families who have children who need two shots, keep that in mind you may want to start earlier because you have to wait a month between the first and second dose."
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According to a new study provided by WalletHub, Nevada falls last in children and teens receiving the flu vaccine.
The study has compiled data on all 50 states, looking at vaccination rates from a variety of available vaccinations, which seem to be few and far between within the Silver State population.
With 1 being Best and 25 being Average, Nevada falls behind in every category except one, placing 19th in Share of Children Under 6 Years Old Participating in an Immunization Information System.
The rankings for Nevada are as follows:
Currently and in recent years, new outbreaks of previously near-non-existent diseases have begun to rise, including a polio outbreak in New York, measles outbreaks breaking prior records, whooping cough resurfacing after low numbers for decades and more.
While the cause for drops in vaccination rates are largely argued to be a direct result of pandemic complications, how to get individuals vaccinated is contested. While some experts say mandating vaccinations is a public health necessity, some have argued mandates are a threat to individual rights.
The most important step authorities can take in order to ensure wide vaccination compliance is to enforce existing laws that mandate diphtheria, tetanus, DTaP, IPV, MMR, and varicella vaccination as a condition for enrollment and attendance at childcare facilities and schools, said Dr. Purnima Madhivanan, an associate professor with the University of Arizona.Schools and public health authorities can do more than just mandate and enforce vaccination requirements. They should also actively advocate for the adoption of vaccination. School systems should send reminders to parents each school year that children should be vaccinated against HPV, influenza and COVID-19Parents need to know how effective and safe vaccines are at preventing illness in their children. Schools should provide in-school vaccination programs.
You can find the full report, detailing which states are excelling in vaccinations while others fall behind, by clicking here.
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ST CHARLES, Mo. St. Charles County Department of Public Health is partnering with area organizations for afree, drive-thru flu shot clinic in October.
The vaccination clinic will be held from 2:30-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, at the Yellow Parking Lot at St. Charles Community College, which is located at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Dr. in Cottleville.
The vaccines are available to those 6 months and older and an appointment is necessary. To schedule one, go to sccmo.as.me/flufightersor call 636-949-1899.
The clinic will offer two types of vaccines. The quadrivalent influenza vaccine is appropriate for those 6 months and older and protects against the four most prevalent flu viruses expected this season: H1N1, H3N2 and two influenza B viruses.
The high-dose influenza vaccine provides extra protection for those age 65 and older, containing more than four times the amount of antigen than the standard vaccine to strengthen the body's ability to create antibodies. Citing a study by the New England Journal of Medicine, the health department said this vaccine has been shown to be 24% more effective than the traditional influenza vaccination for those ages 65 and older.
For those who are unable to attend the free event, the St. Charles County Immunization Clinic will provide flu vaccinations throughout the season by appointment at 1650 Boones Lick Rd. in St. Charles. Through the clinic, flu shots are $36 for the quadrivalent vaccine and $62 for the high-dose vaccine. To schedule an appointment, call 636-949-1857.
According to the health department, recent studies report that flu vaccination reduced the risk for serious illness by more than 50% and the risk for flu-related death by 31%.
Countries in the southern hemisphere are reporting increased influenza activity during their winter, stated Sara Evers, the health department's acting director, in a release announcing the event. In anticipation of the potential that this year may be more disruptive for us than the past several, the Department of Public Health recommends getting a flu shot now to allow protective antibodies to fully develop before the traditional flu season begins this fall.
Those who would like to help with the event as a volunteer or sponsor are asked to contact the St. Charles County Emergency Planner at 636-949-7554 before Oct. 1.
The health department is partnering with BJC Health Care, SSM Health, St. Charles Community College, St. Charles County CAPS, and the St. Charles County Ambulance District for the event.
For more information and tips for preventing the spread of the flu, visit the health department's website.
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St. Charles County health department to hold free drive-thru flu shot clinic in October - KSDK.com
OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV)Mask wearing and social distancing are less common now. And there's a warning the flu season will hit harder than in recent years.
"It's not a common cold. It's as serious as COVID," said Dr. Dan Fick, chief medical officer for Hy-Vee.
Doctor Fick said it has been five years since the last tough year of the flu.
"And in the interim obviously we've had COVID. For the last couple years people have done a lot of activities that help mitigate the spread of any respiratory virus," Fick said.
With talk of a bad flu season, we asked Omaha residents, are you concerned?
"No, not at all. I think we've all had too much fear put into us and I've never really been concerned about that. I've just lived and keep on living and try to be as healthy as I can be," said Omaha resident Theresa Gart.
Gart said she has never gotten the flu vaccine or the flu.
"I'll wait and see if I get it. I just try to eat healthy, live healthy, stay healthy, stay clean and neat," Gart said.
But Jessica Charlsen, an Omaha mother of three said she's not overly concerned but they will get their flu vaccines like they do every year.
"Making sure that we're all taking our vitamins and eating and getting our sleep, will just be how we kind of try and avoid it as much as we can," Charlsen said.
Doctor Fick said the concern is the flu impacts the younger population, unlike COVID, which hit older people very hard.
"The influenza vaccine won't prevent you from getting influenza but it dramatically decreases your illness and dramatically decreases your risk of hospitalization and death," Fick said.
And although Charlsen said kids hate getting the vaccine, "What we always say is we don't do it for us. We are doing it for other people so we want to make sure if we are around babies or around older people. We are looking out for them," Charlsen said.
An interesting fact, Doctor Fick said to gauge what our flu season will look like, the experts pay close attention to the Southern Hemisphere right now to see what flu strains are there. He said the best way to stay healthy this winter, get your flu shot and a COVID booster.
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