Should I get a seasonal flu vaccine?
Yes, for four good reasons!
- It is possible to get the flu and COVID-19 at the same time and this would increase the severity of your illness.
- Your immunization protects the elderly and other vulnerable people.
- If you are protected from influenza virus, you are less likely to get sick and need medical attention. The last thing healthcare workers need is the double burden of COVID-19 cases and seasonal flu cases.
- As the coronavirus continues to spread across the country, doctors say it’s more important than ever to build up herd immunity for other strains of flu.
Cross-immunity at some level is a possibility that is presently being investigated. It has not yet been demonstrated for COVID-19, but cross immunity has been documented for other diseases.
Flu Shot Safety
- Delay getting the shot if you could be contagious with COVID-19.
- Protect healthcare workers and other patients by waiting until you are no longer contagious with COVID-19.
- If you have recently tested positive for COVID-19 and are isolating, or if you are currently experiencing symptoms, wait to get your flu shot until you are out of isolation.
This is true even for symptomatic or asymptomatic adults over age 65 at higher risk of influenza hospitalization and death.
Wait to receive a flu shot until you meet criteria for discontinuing COVID-19 isolation.