The flu comes around each year and each year people are encouraged to get the flu shot, but a surprisingly high number of people fail to get vaccinated. The COVID-19 pandemic has grabbed the attention of nearly every American, but that doesn’t mean we can overlook the flu season that’s quickly approaching. With more places taking precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19, you may be wondering if getting a flu shot is still necessary, and we’re here to tell you why it is!
Why You Should Get Vaccinated
Getting vaccinated protects more than just yourself from getting the flu. By getting vaccinated, you significantly lower your risk of the flu, which means you lower your risk of giving the flu to a friend, loved one, or coworker. The flu can be very severe in people who are elderly or have underlying health conditions. Doing everything you can to ensure you don’t give those higher-risk people the flu is one of the best ways to show that you care about them and their health.
Hospitals and urgent care centers are encouraging people to get vaccinated this year more than ever because COVID-19 has already stretched medical resources thin in many areas. A high number of flu cases combined with a high number of COVID-19 cases will be extremely difficult to manage. By getting vaccinated, you know you’re doing everything you can to ensure you don’t add to that problem!
When to Get Your Flu Shot
The earlier you can get your flu shot, the better! Flu shots typically become available in September and experts are urging the public to get vaccinated sooner rather than later. Each flu season, there is a certain time when the number of cases peak. You should get vaccinated before that peak for the best protection. Unfortunately, there’s no way to know exactly when the peak will occur, which is why it’s best to get vaccinated early and protect yourself no matter when the peak may happen!
Where to Get Your Flu Shot
Flu shots are easily accessible at your local urgent care center. Getting the shot is a very quick process with little to no potential side effects. Your flu shot at an urgent care center is covered by most major insurance companies. The urgent care center can also provide a variety of other medical treatments and preventative measures, so come prepared to discuss any other medical concerns you may have!
For more information regarding flu shot availability and scheduling, contact your local urgent care center today.