TL/DR –
Flu season can be severe, with the past year’s flu season causing at least 35 million illnesses, 390,000 hospitalizations and 25,000 deaths in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that the flu vaccination prevented 6 million flu-related illnesses in the U.S., 2.9 million medical visits, 65,000 hospitalizations, and 3,700 deaths for the 2022–2023 flu season. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months of age and older, and it is safe and effective to receive the influenza vaccine and the updated COVID-19 vaccine at the same time.
Flu Vaccination: 8 Vital Insights for Patients
With flu season typically spanning October through May, it’s important to stay informed about vaccines, especially in light of the ongoing combination threat of a severe flu season, COVID-19, and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Encouragingly, the updated COVID-19 vaccine, influenza, and RSV vaccines offer hope for the upcoming winter season, provided people make use of these healthcare tools for infection and illness mitigation. Health authorities recommend everyone six months of age and older to receive the influenza vaccine to minimize the risk of severe outcomes.
Last year’s flu season resulted in over 35 million illnesses, 390,000 hospitalizations, and 25,000 deaths in the U.S., including 187 pediatric deaths. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu vaccination prevented 6 million flu-related illnesses, 2.9 million medical visits, 65,000 hospitalizations, and 3,700 deaths during the 2022-2023 flu season.
As part of the What Doctors Wish Patients Knew series, family physician Dr. Kate Kirley discussed important facts about the influenza vaccine and addressed common misconceptions.
Debunking Flu Vaccine Myths
Contrary to some beliefs, the flu vaccine cannot cause the flu. It consists of virus components or inactivated virus, and may cause a low-grade fever or feelings of tiredness for a few days post-vaccination. This is merely the immune system responding to the vaccine. If a patient contracts the flu shortly after receiving the vaccine, it’s likely due to coincidental timing and not the vaccine itself.
Simultaneous Flu and COVID-19 Vaccination
The updated COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine can be administered at the same time. This method is safe, effective, and convenient. Dr. Kirley emphasized the importance of receiving the flu shot due to its ability to prevent hospitalizations and deaths. It’s also possible to contract influenza and COVID-19 simultaneously, which underscores the necessity of flu vaccine protection. A seasonal flu vaccine, however, does not protect against the H5N1 bird flu, but reducing the prevalence and severity of seasonal flu can potentially lower the rare risk of co-infection with influenza and an avian virus.
Flu Vaccine Effectiveness
The effectiveness of the flu vaccine can generally reduce flu risk by 40% to 60%. Even at 30% effectiveness, the vaccine is crucial in preventing hospitalizations and deaths, as Dr. Kirley pointed out.
Timing of Flu Vaccination
Dr. Kirley recommends receiving the flu vaccine ideally in September or October, but it is still beneficial to receive it anytime during the flu season.
Flu Vaccination for Everyone
Unless there are specific reasons like allergies, everyone aged six months and older should get the flu vaccine, especially older adults who are at a higher risk.
Nasal Spray Flu Vaccines
Besides the injection, the flu vaccine also comes in the form of a nasal spray, suitable for those aged between 2 and 49. This option is generally just as effective as the shot.
Benefits of Flu Vaccination
The flu vaccine not only reduces an individual’s risk of contracting the flu, but also contributes to the overall health of the community, contributing to a form of herd immunity.
Accessibility of Flu Vaccines
Patients can receive the flu shot at various places, starting with their primary care doctor’s office, among other places. Use vaccines.gov to find a nearby location for your flu vaccine.
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