PWHD COVID-19 Response Information Update

The Prince William Health District What You Should Know:

Flu Vaccine, 2021-2022 Flu Season

 

Local pharmacies and healthcare providers are already advertising “flu” (influenza) shots. So, what should you know right now?

 

  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends all people six months of age and older receive a flu vaccine every year.  
  • Those younger than six months old and those with severe, life-threatening allergies to flu vaccines or any ingredient in the vaccines are the only people who should not take the flu shot. 
  • For more on "who should or should not" get a flu vaccine, click here: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/whoshouldvax.htm
     
    Why you should get a flu vaccine

 

Getting a flu shot this year is crucial for several reasons:

 

  • Without being protected, you can have the flu and COVID-19 at the same time.
  • You can protect yourself and others from flu-related illness, hospitalization, and possible death by getting a flu shot.
  • CDC estimates annually since 2010, there are between 9 million – 45 million flu-related illnesses, between 140,000 – 810,000 hospitalizations, and between 12,000 – 61,000 deaths annually since 2010.  Click here for more on the numbers: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/burden/index.html

 

When to Get a Flu Shot

 

  • You should get vaccinated before flu viruses begin spreading in your area.  Once vaccinated, it takes about two weeks for your body to develop antibodies to protect against the flu.

 

  • VDH and the CDC recommend getting vaccinated against the flu by the end of October.
  • You can get your flu shot at the same time you get your other vaccines, such as a COVID-19 vaccine, a third COVID-19 vaccine (if eligible), or other routine vaccines

 

Where to Get a Flu Vaccine

 

  • You can get flu vaccinations at local pharmacies, healthcare providers, and urgent care clinics.  The PWHD will offer flu vaccines once they arrive.

 

 

CDC Flu Information: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/vaccinations.htm

CDC's weekly FluView: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm  

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