Get the Flu Shot to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones

Fifteen-month-old Jack* takes uncertain, wobbly steps across the floor to his mom, Dr. Capa. She will soon be taking him to his pediatrician to get a flu shot. Dr. Capa hates to see her son cry, but knows that the vaccine is an effective way to keep him and his family safe, which is particularly important now since there is not yet a treatment or immunization for COVID-19. It is more challenging to convince her parents to get vaccinated but they are seniors and are at higher risk for complications associated with the flu. As a family practitioner, Dr. Capa knows that, as with her elderly patients, it is imperative for her parents to do everything they can to protect themselves.

Who Should Get the Flu Shot?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that everyone six months of age and older get an influenza vaccination every season. The only exception to this is people with life-threatening allergies to any ingredients in the vaccine.

Keep in mind that it takes approximately two weeks following immunization for antibodies to develop and provide protection against the flu. For this reason, it is important to get vaccinated before the virus begins to spread in your community.

What is Influenza?

Influenza, commonly called the flu, is an infection of the respiratory system caused by a virus. Like COVID-19, the flu spreads easily between people who have close contact. Both viruses are transmitted primarily through droplets expelled when coughing, sneezing, or talking. It is important to remember that both viruses can be spread when individuals are not showing symptoms.

Since there are many similarities in the way the flu and COVID-19 are spread, our efforts to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 may protect us against influenza.  Washing our hands and wearing masks may be helpful, but the best method of protection is the vaccination.

The High-Dose Flu Shot

The high-dose flu shot is an influenza vaccine approved for adults 65 years of age and older. It has four times the antigen of the regular flu shot and therefore creates a stronger immune response in adults over 65 to provide better protection.  A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine indicated that the high-dose vaccine was 24% more effective than the regular dose.

Furthermore, when compared to younger healthy people, vaccines are typically less effective in older adults. In addition to this, seniors are at greater risk for flu-related hospitalizations.

While the high-dose shot may offer increased protection, the CDC does not specify a preference for any of the several influenza vaccines available. They emphasize that the most important thing is to get vaccinated.

Flu Shots During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Experts are concerned that we could face a “twindemic,” a term coined to describe a severe, or even moderate, flu season coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. An average flu season places significant pressure on the healthcare system and doctors are concerned that medical services could be overwhelmed if there is a “twindemic.”

Protecting oneself from the flu could also reduce the demand for COVID-19 tests, which can already be difficult to get. Furthermore, it is unknown how people could be affected if they contract both viruses.

While there are many unknowns at present, you can be certain that the flu shot is an effective way to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community.

Dr. Capa rolls down her sleeve. One of her colleagues at the family medicine clinic has just given her the flu shot. Now, she needs to make sure her patients—and parents—roll up their sleeves.

* names changed to maintain privacy.