Flu shots are already available in the USA: when is the best time to get vaccinated

It may be hard to think of any disease other than COVID-19 right now, but the annual flu is on the rise. And vaccinations against it are already available in most major pharmacies and doctor's offices across the country, writes Yahoo.

Photo: Shutterstock

Walgreens' website encourages shoppers to get a flu shot to "protect your team," while Rite Aid's website urges "don't wait." CVS is offering "$5 off every $20" to those who get vaccinated at their locations and says on its website that "getting a flu shot is more important than ever this year."

Although the influenza virus circulates year round, the number of cases usually rises in October, peaks between December and February, and declines in March, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, the CDC suggests that the upcoming flu season could last until May.

Is it too early to get vaccinated in the summer?

Experts say it depends on the circumstances.

“Ideally, vaccinations should be given between mid-September and the end of October,” says Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist and professor at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. “Don't get vaccinated too early because protection may wear off before the flu season subsides in March.”

Dr. Amesh Adala, senior fellow at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, agrees.

“There is some evidence to suggest that if you get a flu shot very early, the protection may wan by the end of the season,” he said. “But the goal is to vaccinate as many people as possible.”

Currently, the CDC says online that “vaccination in July or August is too early. September and October are good times to get flu shots.”

On the subject: Swine flu: how Americans were vaccinated during a pandemic and how this experience is useful

But if you can get the vaccine now, experts say there is one benefit.

“Some people prefer to wait until the end of September/beginning of October, but then they risk missing the right moment. People can go about their business and forget,” said Dr. David Cennimo, assistant professor of infectious diseases at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.

It's a good idea to take your location into account, Chennimo said.

“In normal years, the flu hits the western U.S. earlier, so it’s unlikely that people on the East Coast will get the flu in August,” he explains. “But for people on the West Coast, it may make sense to get vaccinated sooner.”

What you need to know about influenza vaccination

Once you decide when to vaccinate, it is important to think about how you will get it. While this varies from company to company, many large organizations still offer free flu shots to their employees, says Ari Zukier, chief operating officer of Affiliated Physitors, a flu vaccine provider to companies with more than 1500 US customers.

Things will be a little different this year. Zukier clarifies that his company requires all staff to wear personal protective equipment, as well as the wearing of masks by patients. The company also measures the temperature and encourages social distancing.

“Many events are held outdoors (in tents in parking lots) instead of a typical conference room,” Cukier elaborates.

When his team works indoors, they send nurses to “larger rooms than usual,” and there is only one nurse in each office to minimize contact.

Zukier notes that there is a gap between smaller and larger companies providing vaccines to employees.

“Smaller companies can't commit because they don't know when or how many employees will return to the office,” he explains. — Medium and large companies are participating in vaccination programs and plan to carry out smaller events over a long period of time. This will provide more flexibility for people working remotely. They can come into the office for a day if they want.”

Overall, Cukier says companies are “expecting a higher-than-usual number of people to be in the office. The only question is how they will get people to come into the office to get the shot.” It's best to check with your office's human resources department to see if they plan to offer flu vaccines this year.

Schaffner advises covering your nose and mouth when vaccinating, whether at the pharmacy, doctor's office, or workplace.

“Make sure you and your healthcare provider are wearing a mask,” he says.

On the subject: The collapse of confidence: why Americans are afraid of the COVID-19 vaccine

According to him, in some areas it is planned to carry out vaccinations in cars, points will be located along the roadways (contact your doctor or local hospital for details).

Dr. Adalya says that in general you should feel safe getting the flu vaccine by wearing a mask and social distancing before and after vaccinations.

“Many people go to the store for groceries, and vaccination is no more dangerous than that,” he concluded.

So if you can wait a few more weeks to get vaccinated and don't forget about it, it might be best to do so.

Read also on ForumDaily:

Why COVID-19 Vaccine May Not Work In Nearly Half Of Americans

'We won't even test on monkeys': why the United States refused the Russian vaccine against COVID-19

California Scientists Develop COVID-19 Protective Nasal Spray

May save lives: a new way to treat people with severe COVID-19 was found in the United States

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.