National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) is a critical opportunity to remind everyone 6 months and older that there’s still time to protect themselves and their loved ones from flu this flu season by getting their annual flu vaccine if they have not already. CDC data shows that flu vaccination coverage was lower last season, especially among certain higher risk groups, including children. When you get a flu vaccine, you reduce your risk of illness, and flu-related hospitalization if you do get sick. This week is meant to remind people that there is still time to benefit from the first and most important action in preventing flu illness and potentially serious flu complications: get a flu vaccine today.
Who should get vaccinated for the flu?
People at High Risk for Flu
Some people are at high risk of developing serious flu-related complications if they get sick. This includes people 65 years and older, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), pregnant women, and young children.
Haven’t gotten your annual flu vaccine yet? There’s still time! A flu vaccine is the best way to help protect yourself and your loved ones against flu and its potentially serious outcomes. Call our office at 916-392-4000 to schedule your flu vaccine today!
Will the Vaccine prevent me from getting the flu?
According to the CDC, the vaccination can take up to two weeks for the body to develop the necessary immunity to the flu. The CDC recommends the flu vaccine for all healthy individuals, aged 6 months and above, especially pregnant women, elderly, and children as they hold the most risk for complications from the flu. In addition, there should be no concern of getting the shot too early as the vaccination holds strength as the year goes progresses. The only concern should exist within waiting to get the vaccination too late after you’ve already experienced flu-like symptoms.
The annual vaccine isn’t foolproof. Researchers cannot provide a vaccine that covers every possible influenza strain but instead targets the four most common strains for this upcoming season. A 2022 study showed that flu vaccination reduced children’s risk of severe life-threatening influenza by 75%. A 2021 study, showed that among adults hospitalized with flu, vaccinated patients had a 26% lower risk of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and a 31% lower risk of death from flu compared with those who were unvaccinated
If you have a chronic health condition like heart disease, diabetes, or COPD, getting a flu shot is a critical part of your preventive medical strategy. People with chronic conditions are at an increased risk of serious complications from influenza. For some those might not seem like staggering statistics, but imagine potentially saving the person the time spent recovering, the medical costs, and their well-being.
How can I get a flu vaccination?
Ask our medical staff today! The majority of health insurance plans will cover the cost of a flu vaccine as a preventative measure, but contact your insurance provider to be sure. Any public health insurance, such as Medicare, is required by the AHA to provide their beneficiaries with flu shot coverage. If not insured, there are many options still available for you throughout the community. From pharmacy to urgent care, and even here at River Bend Medical Associates you can get your flu vaccine. For those non-insured or with plans that do not offer preventative coverage, look to these resources to steer clear from the flu:
Employer: Many employers offer flu shot coverage to their employees. Ask HR, your supervisor or coworkers today.
Sacramento County: Offers flu vaccines for community members aged 6 months and up on set days this flu season. Check out the next flu clinic date here.
Yolo County: Offers seasonal flu clinics to residents until December 5th.
Find other flu vaccine locations by zip code.
