Experts are concerned about the upcoming flu season and its implications for hospitals already stretched to capacity due to the coronavirus, according to reports.
For Dr. William Schaffner, the fear is that many will avoid the flu vaccine due to COVID-related fears, fatigue and misinformation.
“We’ve been concerned about vaccine fatigue and that people will be confused about whether or when they need the flu shot, and not very eager to once again roll up their sleeve,” Schaffner, the medical director of the National Foundation of Infectious Diseases, told NPR. “Flu is a nasty virus and worth protecting against.”
Why you should get one
Schaffner noted two important reasons for getting vaccinated against the flu, saying, “First, it’s been proven year after year that you’re in better shape to fight off the flu if you get the vaccine. Second, by getting vaccinated against the flu, you help protect the people around you.”
Who should get a flu shot
Anyone who is 6 months and older should get a flu shot unless a doctor advises against it for medical reasons, Dr. Lisa Grohskopf, a medical officer in the influenza division at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told NPR.
Keep in mind that children 8 and younger who are getting the flu shot for the first time need “two doses, not just one, so people should plan for that,” Dr. Eric Cioe-Pena, emergency medicine specialist at Staten Island University Hospital, told ABC News.
Anyone 65 and older is recommended by the CDC to get either the Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent vaccine or the FLUAD Quadrivalent vaccine because of their robust immune response, NPR reported. However, if neither is available, any flu shot is a good choice.
Pregnant women can receive a flu shot, and those in their third trimester are advised to get the shot as soon as possible, NPR reported.
“Babies can’t get the flu shot until they are 6 months old but are protected by their mother’s antibodies from a flu shot — if she gets the shot — until 6 months, when they can get their own flu vaccine,” Grohskopf told NPR, adding that this applies to just the flu shot, not the nasal spray.
When you should get a flu vaccine
The best time to get the flu vaccine is by the end of October when the season starts, NPR reported. But don’t worry if you can’t make an appointment by then, according to Dr. Andrew Pavia. “Getting vaccinated at any time during the flu season [can] still be beneficial,” he told NPR.
The CDC also notes it is safe to get the COVID-19 vaccine and flu shot at the same time. The only thing to consider is arm pain management. Expect to get each vaccine in a different arm to help reduce any pain and swelling that might occur, NPR reported.
“The body’s immune response and side effects are generally the same as when getting one vaccine alone,” Grohskopf told NPR.
Where to get a flu vaccine
There are a lot of options where to get the flu vaccine, and some of them are free as long as you have health insurance.
Your doctor’s office is a great place to start, as well as any urgent cares, hospitals and school campus health centers.
Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy offer flu shots. Walk-ins are welcome, according to both pharmacies, but save time by scheduling an appointment.
If you’re unsure of where to get vaccinated near you, the CDC recommends using VaccineFinder.org to find a location in your area. For those without insurance, prices may fluctuate between $20 and $40, depending on the location.
You can check out more flu resources and information on the CDC’s Influenza (Flu) page.
