Influenza Vaccination Week 2020
What is Influenza Vaccination Week?
December 6th-12th we’re celebrating Influenza Vaccination Week to highlight the importance of vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the CDC, National Influenza Vaccination Week is a national awareness week that focuses on the importance of influenza vaccination. Certainly, as COVID-19 continues to spread, so does influenza, making this year’s message more important than ever. For instance, failing to vaccinate against the flu risks placing a burden on the healthcare system resulting in more hospitalizations and deaths during this year’s flu season. Therefore, by getting your routine flu vaccination, you’re helping reduce the burden off respiratory care centers and the ICU-potentially saving medical resources for COVID-19 patients.
COVID-19 and Influenza
One thing making Influenza and COVID-19 similar is that they’re both highly contagious respiratory diseases. In other words, the symptoms of Influenza and COVID-19 are so similar that it is difficult to tell the difference between the two. As a result, tests must be performed to make the correct diagnosis.
Getting the Flu Vaccine: What It Will Do For You
It is important to understand that getting a flu shot will not protect you from getting COVID-19. On the other hand, getting the flu vaccination does have substantial benefits. For example, studies have shown that getting the flu vaccine can reduce your risk of flu by 40-60%.
How the Flu Vaccine Works
The flu vaccine is essentially a compilation of “dead”, or inactive, flu viruses. Further, meaning that the vaccine exposes your body to a harmless version of the virus, allowing your immune system to develop the necessary antibodies to combat a live flu virus. After vaccination, it takes an average of two weeks for the human body to produce antibodies. After that, the antibodies will help protect your body against exposure to the flu virus.
Ready to Get Your Flu Vaccine?
In sum, many pharmacies such as Rite Aid, CVS, and Vons Pharmacy offer walk-in appointments for a free flu vaccine. In addition, some clinics and medical offices also provide free vaccines. Above all, call your local pharmacy or medical office to find a location and time that works best for you.
Works Cited:
“National Influenza Vaccination Week.” AAP.org, www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/aap-health-initiatives/immunizations/Pages/National-Influenza-Vaccination-Week.aspx.
“Flu Shot Ingredients: What They Contain and Why.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321207.
