This has been a year of “firsts” for all of us. It’s the first time that students have returned to school on an iPad, grocery stores sported barren cleaning supply shelves, and now we are about to enter into a flu season during the middle of one of the worst public health crises in human history.
While we don’t yet have a publicly approved COVID-19 vaccine, we do have an influenza vaccine available for this flu season which is safe and effective. Just under 200M doses of flu vaccine are being produced this year, far more than were administered last season. We can keep our communities safe by asking patients to get their flu shot every year. We know that the vaccine will not prevent everyone from contracting the flu, but we do know that it is very effective at preventing flu-related hospitalizations which is vital, especially this year.
Getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever during 2020-2021 to protect yourself, your family and your community from flu. A flu vaccine this season can also help reduce the burden on our healthcare systems responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and save medical resources for care of COVID-19 patients. September and October are good times to get a flu vaccine.
The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like avoiding people who are sick, covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like flu.
The tips below will help you to protect yourself and others from flu and help stop the spread of germs.
- Avoid close contact.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose.
- Clean your hands
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
- Practice other good health habits
Flu shot are now available at both locations, Fordland, MO and Kimberling City, MO.
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