Last year’s flu season was mild compared to past years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That’s because many of the strategies we embraced to protect against COVID-19 also guarded against the flu. Masking up, social distancing, hand washing, closing schools, and traveling less kept flu rates—along with hospitalizations and deaths—down. This year, however, more people are traveling and visiting public spaces, schools are open, and some who are fully vaccinated aren’t wearing masks as frequently, despite the CDC saying masks are still necessary indoors even for the vaccinated. This might increase the likelihood of the flu spreading. “The best defense we have against influenza is the flu shot,” says Dr. Aaron Clark, DO,family medicine physician at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and medical director of the Ohio State Health Accountable Care Organization. “This along with wearing face masks and staying home from work and school when sick is how we can help ensure influenza doesn’t cause widespread illness this season.” The CDC recommends that everyone over 6 months old get a flu shot, with some rare exceptions. So, Parade.com asked medical experts to explain why the flu shot is more important than ever this year, what we know about this year’s flu vaccine, and where you can get your jab.
Why is the flu shot so important this year?
The COVID-19 delta variant continues to spread across the country, causing hospitals to reach capacity and putting a strain on their already-overworked staff. At the same time, flu season, which usually runs from early fall to late spring, is kicking off. “The concern is that if both COVID-19 and influenza spread across communities either at the same time or following each other across the next six months, it will put a huge strain on an already-stressed medical system,” Clark says. “This could lead to rationing of care and challenges on accessing care.” The flu is contagious, and the flu shot prevents millions of flu-related illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths each year, says Dr. Jana Dickter, MD, associate clinical professor at the City of Hope Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine. “Getting yourself vaccinated not only helps protect you, but also protects those around you who may be more susceptible to having a severe flu illness, such as young children, older people, and people who have immune-system compromising illnesses,” she says. “The best way to help prevent both the flu and COVID is receiving vaccinations against both respiratory illnesses and taking other precautions.”
Can you get the flu and COVID-19 at the same time?
It’s possible to get both the flu and COVID-19 at the same time, though it’s rare. Dr. Gregg Miller, MD, emergency room physician and chief medical officer at Vituity, says some studies show that about 3% of COVID-19 patients have a co-infection with influenza or RSV. “Patients with co-infections are likely sicker—they have longer hospital stays and slightly higher mortality rates,” he says. But if you’re otherwise healthy, your immune system can likely handle getting both illnesses at the same time, says Dr. Robert Lahita, MD, director of the Institute for Autoimmune and Rheumatic Disease at Saint Joseph Hospital and author of the upcoming book Immunity Strong. “There’s a misconception that your immune system can’t attack two malicious entities at once, but that isn’t true,” he says. Lahita recommends taking plenty of vitamin D, vitamin C, and zinc supplements, eating healthy, and exercising regularly to support immunity in case you do get sick. “Also, get the flu shot and the COVID vaccine to lower your chances of getting either one of them,” he says.
Is it safe to mix a flu shot with a COVID-19 vaccine?
You should get a flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine, Dickter says. And, it’s completely safe to get both. In fact, it’s even safe to get both shots at the same time. Many vaccines that have been around for years protect against multiple diseases at the same time, Miller says, “When kids receive regular childhood vaccines, they typically are vaccinated against five or more diseases on the same visit.” For example, the MMR shot protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, and the Tdap shot against tetanus, Diptheria, and pertussis. “We have a lot of experience administering multiple vaccinations at the same time and research shows it’s safe and effective,” Miller says. “Therefore, there’s no reason to think this would be any different for flu and COVID.” Though, you might have a slightly higher risk for side effects from the vaccines, like fever or pain at the injection site, if you get the flu and COVID-19 shots at the same time, Dickter says.
When should you get the flu shot?
Anytime between September and March is a great time to get the flu shot, but ideally, by the end of October, Dr. Clark says, “But it’s still very important to get the flu shot no matter the timing of it.” Like the COVID vaccines, it takes two weeks after getting a flu shot to build up immunity, Dr. Miller explains. So it’s a good idea to get vaccinated before the flu starts circulating in your community. Flu season often peaks in February, but it varies from year to year. Dr. Miller suggests getting your flu shot by early November so you’ll have immunity over Thanksgiving and the holidays.
How effective is this year’s flu shot?
The effectiveness of the flu shot varies each year. There are two reasons why, Dr. Dickter says. First, is whether someone has an underlying health problem or is older. The second is how well the vaccines match the flu viruses spreading in the community. “Each flu season researchers try to determine how effectively flu vaccines work,” she explains. “Studies show that flu vaccination typically reduces the risk of a flu-like illness between 40% and 60% when most of the flu viruses circulating are matched well to the flu vaccine.” This year’s flu vaccines are designed to protect against four different flu viruses, according to the CDC. But researchers aren’t yet sure how effective this year’s flu shot will be, Miller says.
Where can you can a flu shot?
The best place to start when if you’re looking for a flu shot is to call your doctor’s office, Dr. Clark says. There are also many retailers across the country that offer the same flu vaccine that’s available from your doctor. Here are some retailers that offer flu shots, and many are free with your health insurance plan:
Walgreens has flu shots available to anyone age 3 and up, and you don’t need an appointment. Learn more here. CVS lets you make an appointment online and offers an in-store coupon if you get your shot there. Learn more here. Walmart offers flu shots at its stores across the country and walk-ins are usually welcome. Learn more here. Kroger has an online appointment scheduler for its flu shots. Learn more here. Publix provides flu shots and you can make your appointment online. Learn more here.
Next, read about how to prepare for the 2021 flu season.
Sources
Dr. Aaron Clark, DO, family medicine physician at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and medical director of the Ohio State Health Accountable Care OrganizationDr. Jana Dickter, MD, associate clinical professor, City of Hope Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of MedicineDr. Robert Lahita, MD, director of the Institute for Autoimmune and Rheumatic Disease at Saint Joseph Health and author of the upcoming book Immunity Strong.Dr. Gregg Miller, MD, emergency room physician and chief medical officer at VituityCenters for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): 2020-2021 Flu Season SummaryCDC: Who Should and Who Should NOT Get a Flu VaccineCDC: Frequently Asked Influenza (Flu) Questions: 2021-2022 SeasonCDC: When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated5 Things to Know About the Delta Variant
