It is that time of the year… time to get your flu vaccine!
It may be more important than ever to get your flu vaccine this year. Given the state of the pandemic and reduced population immunity due to lack of flu virus activity since March 2020, the CDC predicts this year the flu season could be early and more severe than past seasons. It is also important to note that the past has shown that those who get the flu vaccine have less hospitalizations and complications from the flu compared to those who have not received the flu vaccine.
Children as young as 6 months old should receive the flu vaccine as soon as it is available. Adults should aim to get their flu vaccine by September/October. Earlier vaccination should be considered for people who are in their third trimester of pregnancy because this can help protect their infant during the first months of life (when they are too young to be vaccinated). It is also important to know that there is no recommended spacing between the flu and COVID-19 vaccine.
Please protect yourself and others by getting the flu vaccine this season. The flu vaccine is available at Hoag Medical Group (HMG). Appointments can be made with your primary care physician and HMG is providing Family Flu Shot Days where you and your loved ones can get your flu vaccines together. Open to existing HMG patients, we are offering these clinics on September 25th and October 9th at our Irvine and Huntington Beach locations. Call your HMG office to schedule today.
