With the briskness of autumn approaching, it’s not too early to start thinking about getting vaccinated against the flu. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging Americans to get a flu vaccine as early as possible and recommends getting the vaccine before the end of October.
While the flu vaccine is important every year, many health officials are stressing the significance of this year’s flu season combined with the COVID-19 pandemic.
We all take small steps every day to protect ourselves and each other. This season, there’s one more thing we can do – get a flu vaccination.
Here’s everything you need to know about why, when and where to get the flu vaccine this season.
Why get the flu vaccine?
The CDC recommends that everyone six months and older get a flu vaccine every season, with rare exceptions. Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at high risk of serious complications from influenza. It’s best to speak with your health care provider to determine if you should get the flu vaccination.
The flu vaccine can prevent flu, reduce severity of the flu, and as a result prevent doctors’ visits and missed work or school due to flu. Most importantly, it can also prevent flu-related hospitalizations and deaths.
With COVID-19 still in full force, limiting the spread of the flu is critical, not only for patients, but for health care facilities, as well. Influenza has overwhelmed health care systems on its own in past seasons, so adding flu on top of COVID-19 this winter could be devastating to these facilities and to communities.
People who are at a higher risk for developing influenza-related complications are strongly urged by the CDC and health officials to get vaccinated against the flu.
Those considered at risk of having complications from the flu include:
● Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old.
● Adults 65 years of age and older.
● Pregnant women.
● Children and adults with chronic diseases, such as asthma, COPD, heart disease, and diabetes.
● Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
● Native Americans and Alaskan Natives seem to be at higher risk of influenza complications.
● Individuals who are extremely obese (body mass index ≥40 for adults).
● And more.
And, since West Virginia has a large percentage of senior citizens, it’s essential for West Virginians to protect themselves from the flu and its consequences. When you get vaccinated against the flu, you help to protect the people around you, especially those who are most vulnerable, from flu.
When should I get the vaccine?
It’s recommended that folks get a flu vaccine before flu viruses begin spreading in your community, since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against flu. For that reason, the CDC recommends that people get a flu vaccine by the end of October, so that they are protected before flu season begins.
Where can I get the flu vaccine?
With the rapid spread of COVID-19, health officials are increasing efforts to make sure flu vaccinations are made available to everyone, especially those at a higher risk. Many clinics and pharmacies have already started offering the flu vaccine to patients. West Virginians should check with their health care provider to find out if they have flu vaccine in stock yet. Many health departments and community health centers also offer vaccination clinics throughout the flu season at local libraries, in parking lots, and other public spaces.
To ensure the safety of medical staff and patients, health care facilities are taking the necessary precautions and following updated CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to patients. If you have questions about the precautions that they have put into place, it’s best to call your health care provider prior to heading to the clinic.
The website EveryOneAddsUp.com features a capability to search for locations where the vaccine is available, along with educational blogs and more to keep West Virginians informed this flu season.
For more information about flu vaccination, talk to your health care provider.
