As the holiday season approaches, health experts are emphasizing the importance of receiving both the COVID-19 and flu vaccines. With flu activity, particularly influenza A, increasing across the United States, the timing for vaccinations remains crucial. According to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu cases are on the rise this month.
Dr. Nicholas Van Sickels, an infectious disease specialist with UK HealthCare, stated, “It is really not too late to get your shot.” He highlighted that flu activity generally peaks between December and February, making the end of the year an ideal time for vaccinations, especially with upcoming holiday gatherings.
Vaccination Recommendations and Timing
Experts recommend that individuals receive their flu and COVID-19 vaccines by the end of October; however, those who missed this window can still benefit from vaccination during the respiratory virus season. Dr. Van Sickels noted that it takes about a week to develop some level of protection after receiving the vaccines.
“If you are looking at optimal timing, and you plan holiday travel or getting together with others, this is a great time to get your flu shot if you haven’t,” he advised. The CDC guidelines suggest that everyone aged six months and older should receive a flu vaccine, with few exceptions.
This year, the CDC particularly advocates COVID-19 vaccination for older adults, especially those aged 65 and older, due to their higher risk of severe illness from the virus. Younger individuals are encouraged to get vaccinated based on their risk factors, including pre-existing health conditions such as heart, lung, or metabolic disorders.
Effectiveness and Benefits of Vaccination
Recent studies indicate that this year’s flu vaccine has an effectiveness rate of approximately 50% in preventing clinic visits and hospitalizations due to influenza. This means that the vaccine can effectively halve the rate of medical care required for flu-related illnesses, as reported by the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy.
Certain vulnerable groups, such as older adults, young children, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems, experience a greater relative benefit from vaccination. However, even healthy young adults can see a significant advantage; during years when the flu vaccine closely matches circulating strains, it reduces the likelihood of needing medical attention for the flu by 40% to 60%.
In addition to preventing illness, vaccination can mitigate the severity of symptoms if one does contract the flu. “It definitely helps people when they do get sick with the flu. They end up less often being hospitalized, less often being very sick,” Dr. Van Sickels explained. The alternative is the risk of falling ill for a week or more and potentially transmitting the virus to family and friends.
While some may have concerns about side effects, the CDC clarifies that the flu vaccine cannot cause the flu. Flu shots contain inactivated virus or proteins from the virus, while nasal spray vaccines use weakened live viruses that are unable to cause illness. Side effects are generally mild and temporary, including soreness at the injection site, headaches, and fatigue.
In contrast, individuals receiving nasal spray vaccines might experience runny noses, headaches, and mild fevers. The benefits of vaccination far outweigh these minor side effects, as they play a significant role in public health, particularly during the winter months.
Vaccination appointments are readily available at numerous pharmacies, including Walgreens, CVS, and Kroger. Taking action now can ensure that individuals and their loved ones are better protected against COVID-19 and influenza this holiday season.
