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The flu and you – experts answer questions about this years flu shot

From Health News

Flu season will look different this year, as the country grapples with the coronavirus pandemic.  Many Americans are reluctant to visit a doctor’s office, and
public health officials worry people will shy away from being immunized.

Although sometimes incorrectly regarded as just another bad cold, flu also kills tens of thousands of people in the U.S. each year, with the very young, the elderly and those with underlying conditions the most vulnerable.  When coupled with the effects of COVID-19, public health experts say it’s more important than ever to get a flu shot.

Aside from the potential burden on hospitals, there’s the possibility people could get both viruses — and “no one knows what happens if you get influenza and
COVID (simultaneously) because it’s never happened before,” Dr. Rachel Levine, Pennsylvania’s secretary of health, told reporters this month.

As flu season approaches, here are some answers to a few common questions:

Q: When should I get my flu shot?

A: Many pharmacies and clinics will start immunizations in early September.  Generally, influenza viruses start circulating in mid- to late October but
become more widespread later, in the winter.  It takes about two weeks after getting a shot for antibodies — which circulate in the blood and thwart infections — to build up.  “Young, healthy people can begin getting their flu shots in September, and elderly people and other vulnerable populations can begin in October,” said Dr. Steve Miller, chief clinical officer for insurer Cigna.

The CDC has recommended that people “get a flu vaccine by the end of October,” but noted it’s not too late to get one after that because shots “can still be
beneficial and vaccination should be offered throughout the flu season.”  Even so, some experts say not to wait too long this year — not only because of
COVID-19, but also in case a shortage develops because of overwhelming demand.

Q: What are the reasons I should roll up my sleeve for this?

A: Get a shot because it protects you from catching the flu and spreading it to others, which may help lessen the burden on hospitals and medical staffs.
And there’s another message that may resonate in this strange time.  “It gives people a sense that there are some things you can control,” said Eduardo
Sanchez, chief medical officer for prevention at the American Heart Association.

While a flu shot won’t prevent COVID-19, he said, getting one could help your doctors differentiate between the diseases if you develop any symptoms —
fever, cough, sore throat — they share.

You cannot get influenza from having a flu vaccine.  All eligible people, especially essential workers, those with underlying conditions and those at higher
risk — including very young children and pregnant women — should seek protection, the CDC said.  It recommends that children over 6 months old get vaccinated.

Q: What do we know about the effectiveness of this year’s vaccine?

A: Flu vaccines — which must be developed anew each year because influenza viruses mutate — range in effectiveness annually, depending on how well they
match the circulating virus.  Last year’s formulation was estimated to be about 45% effective in preventing the flu overall, with about a
55% effectiveness in children.  The vaccines available in the U.S. this year are aimed at preventing at least three strains of the virus, and most cover four.

Q: What are insurance plans and health systems doing differently this year?

A: Insurers and health systems contacted by KHN say they will follow CDC guidelines, which call for limiting and spacing out the number of people waiting in
lines and vaccination areas.  Some are setting appointments for flu shots to help manage the flow.

Health Fitness Concepts, a company that works with UnitedHealth Group and other businesses to set up flu shot clinics in the Northeast, said it is “encouraging smaller, more frequent events to support social distancing” and “requiring all forms to be completed and shirtsleeves rolled up before entering the flu shot area.”  Also, nationally, some physician groups contracted with UnitedHealth will set up tent areas so shots can be given outdoors, a spokesperson said.

Q: Usually I get a flu shot at work. Will that be an option this year?

A: Aiming to avoid risky indoor gatherings, many employers are reluctant to sponsor the on-site flu clinics they’ve offered in years past.  And with so many people continuing to work from home, there’s less need to bring flu shots to employees on the job.  Instead, many employers are encouraging workers to get shots from their primary care doctors, at pharmacies or in other community settings.  Insurance will generally cover the cost of the vaccine.

Q: What are pharmacies doing to encourage people to get flu shots?

A: Some pharmacies are making an extra push to get out into the community to offer flu shots.  Walgreens, which has nearly 9,100 pharmacies nationwide, is continuing a partnership begun in 2015 with community organizations, churches and employers that has offered about 150,000 off-site and mobile flu clinics to date.  Both Walgreens and CVS are encouraging people to schedule appointments and do paperwork online this year to minimize time spent in the stores.