Flu Shots and More for 2023-2024!  In this case, the “More in our Title” stands for the RSV vaccine and the COVID booster. However, this article will focus on the most pressing need, the flu shot.

Flu shots are as much a part of the fall season as cooler temperatures and falling leaves. As always, “the CDC’s advisers recommend everyone 6 months and older receive a flu shot, ideally in September or October.”

Flu Shots and More:  What’s New for You This Flu Season

Flu Shots and More: It's Time to Protect Your Family and Your Self.

Virus Alert! Turn a Wild Flu Case Into a Mild Case With Your Flu Shot For Protection.

FLASS is now sharing the most recent details about this season’s flu shots. Never before has the CDC stated that people with egg allergies can ignore a serious risk when taking the flu shot.

No longer does the CDC see a risk involved in people taking the current flu shot formula, even if they are allergic to eggs. This year’s flu shots contain only a minute amount of egg protein in the vaccine formula.

Flu Shots Save More Lives and More Dollars

In today’s economy, it’s wise to know that “Coverage of flu vaccines will be routine as in past years.”  For many of our FLASS patients, Medicare Part B absorbs the price of the flu shot each year.

Likewise, they are part of preventative care under the Affordable Care Act. Additionally, they are free with most insurance plans.

The important element in getting your shot is not so much money for the flu shot, but scheduling everyone in the family to take it. As in previous years, FLASS highly recommends you and your family take to time to get your flu vaccine.

Once again, we are emphasizing that your shot might not prevent you from catching the flu. Many people still misunderstand this point.

The flu shot might allow your case to turn from “wild to mild,” according to the CDC. That CDC metaphor is amazing.

Imagine turning a lion into a housecat.  Likewise, you can turn a trip to the ER into a trip to the couch with a warm blanket.

Flu Shots and More:  Flu Vaccines are Not All You Need

Flu Shots and More: You May Need More This Year.

Take The Time to Get Your Flu Shot. It’s An Inexpensive Way to Avid Emergency Rooms.

You already know that you need more than the flu shot. You also need to take the RSV shot to protect yourself against the misery of an upper respiratory infection. Plus, you might need your Covid booster.

Some experts say you can take them all at once, but we recommend you wait “a couple of weeks after getting the COVID and flu shots before getting the RSV vaccine.”

Flu Shots and More:  Planning to Get All Your Vaccines

With modern life being so busy, you might want to know if you can take all of these vaccinations at once. You and your doctor know how you react to vaccines. If you are sensitive to them, it is a good idea to put some time in between them.

This year, we have had patients like us wonder if they should have Flu shots and  COVID vaccinations in the same arm.

  • On the one hand, in one research study, experts did find an 8-11 percent increase in reactions when patients took COVID and Flu shots together. Reactogenicity of Simultaneous COVID-19 mRNA Booster and Influenza Vaccination in the US | Infectious Diseases | JAMA Network Open | JAMA Network
  • On the other hand, some experts say getting COVID booster shots in the same arm as the COVID vaccination may offer more protection, one study found. Getting COVID Shots in Same Arm May Be More Effective, Study Says (webmd.com)

Flu Shots and More 2023-2024:  Resist the Risks

Dr. Chestler Says If You Don’t Get Your Flu Shots And More, It’ll Be a Doggone Shame!

Getting your shots at any age is undeniably important, but some groups have higher risks of ending up in the hospital than others.

  • At Risk Group Number 1, The Young and the Small  “Infants and young children are at higher risk of getting very sick from respiratory viruses.” The explanations for the risk run by the tiniest souls among us are logical. You see, the immune systems and the respiratory systems of children are still in the development stage. Likewise, we must understand that viruses can more easily attack small lungs and airways.
  • Number 2 At Risk Group:  Our Senior Citizens The doctors and staff of FLASS hereby warn you that the eldest members of your family are also at great risk from respiratory viruses. It’s sad to say, but Flu deaths take a large segment of this population every year. Understand that when people age, their immune systems become less effective. To make matters even riskier, many older adults already have underlying health conditions. Often, they already battle high blood pressure and heart disease, which brings us to the third at-risk group.
  • Risk Group Number 3:  Patients with Underlying Conditions  Beware.

Your risk increases with your years. You are more likely to get severely ill from flu at 81 than at 61. Therefore, if you have underlying health conditions, be certain you have taken every precaution against the flu. And your flu vaccination is your first best defense. It is worth the trouble.

More At-Risk Groups

  • Our Fourth Risk Group 4:  The Immunocompromised Individuals
    If you have had an organ transplant, cancer, or a chronic disease, you certainly don’t want to challenge your already weakened immune system with the flu. Get your flu shot because you have lower-than-average “defenses against infections.” Your body will have a more difficult time recovering from an infection.
  • At Risk Group Number 5:  Pregnant People  Pregnant people are in a risk group for getting extremely sick with flu because their immune systems are in flux. You see, pregnancy changes “a person’s immune system and places stress on the body, making it more challenging to fight off an infection.”

Flu Shots and More:  Protection for Self Means Protection for Others

The first and most important step to protect yourself against flu viruses is getting a flu vaccine each year.

All persons 6 months of age or older should get a flu vaccine, if possible before the end of October, or as soon as possible if after October. (Likewise, this year it is especially important to take the RSV shot to lessen the invasion of this new viral threat.)

Flu Shots and More:  2023-2024 -Fine FLASS Advice

You Might Not Want to Get All Your Shots At Once. However, Be Sure You Get Your Flu Shots And More–Your RSV Shot And Your COVID Booster.

Every year, we write a blog similar to this one. Every year we use only slightly different words to give the same advice.

Flu vaccinations benefit individuals, families, and communities. Your flu vaccination can keep you at work and in school. It can also keep you out of the doctor’s office and the emergency room. It is the same story with the new and wonderful RSV vaccine.

In the words of the CDC, “Protect yourself. Protect your family. Get vaccinated.”  We only add that families make up communities.

Let’s make our community as flu-free as possible. In fact, we urge you to take your Flu Shots and More 2023-2024 in order to make our Florida communities healthier than ever before.