Why You Should Get Your Flu Shot
Let’s talk about the flu.ÌýAs we approachÌýa time whenÌýwe may see theÌýcollision of theÌýviruses that causeÌýbothÌýthe fluÌýandÌýCOVID-19, getting a fluÌývaccineÌýbecomesÌýanÌýimperative and responsibility,Ìýfor those who are eligible to receive it.
Here we discuss what’s true—and what’s not—about the flu vaccine.Ìý
It’sÌýeasyÌýto get a flu shot.ÌýTRUEÌýÌý
If you're a current patient at °ÄÃÅͼ¿â Primary Care, please schedule the nurse visit for a flu shot through your Connect account.Ìý
In addition to your primary care provider, flu vaccines are available at clinics; health departments; many pharmacies, schools and colleges; and employers. At this time, manyÌýpharmacies offer flu vaccinations free ofÌýcharge.
Most people are eligible to get flu shots.ÌýTRUEÌý
WithÌýrare exceptions, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the annual flu vaccine to people six months of age and older.ÌýPatients who areÌýpregnantÌýand have chronic illnessesÌý(such as diabetes, heart disease, and lung disease), along withÌýmostÌýpeople who are allergic to eggs,ÌýÌýreceive flu shots.ÌýÌý
It doesn’t make a difference to get a flu shot.ÌýFALSEÌý
When you get a flu shot, itÌýmeans you are less likely to get the flu.ÌýThat means your loved ones also are less likely to get the flu.ÌýSometimesÌýpeople experience cold-like symptoms after they get a flu shot, and sometimes theyÌýstill get the flu,Ìýbut it is less severeÌýthan they would have experienced if they hadn’t received the shot.Ìý
TheÌýfluÌýcan cause health complications.ÌýTRUEÌý
If you get a flu shot, you’reÌýmore likely to stay well, and avoid theÌýfever and upper respiratory infections that sometimes accompany the flu.ÌýPatients who get the vaccine also reduce their chances of hospitalization from those infections.
Ìý
It’s too soon to get a flu shot.ÌýFALSEÌýÌý
Ìýrecommends getting vaccinated for the flu during the fall season.ÌýOlder patients need their immunity to last throughout theÌýentireÌýflu season.ÌýVaccines are ongoing and recommended as long as the flu virus is circulating.ÌýÌý
If you're a current Primary Care patient, you can schedule an appointment easily through Connect.ÌýÌý