Influenza Vaccination for TPMG Patients
As we navigate through the 2022-2023 flu season amidst another year of the coronavirus pandemic, it is important we share a few reminders. Vaccines provide protection against diseases and infection. The flu is a contagious respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. The composition of the U.S. flu vaccine is updated and reviewed annually to match circulating viruses and is designed to protect against the four viruses that research indicates will be the most prevalent. The CDC recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older with a few rare exceptions. The timing of vaccines is typically administered by the end of October (when flu season typically begins) and is offered as long as the influenza viruses are circulating locally.
It is ever so important for adults, children, and our elderly population to receive this year’s flu vaccine. As COVID-19 restrictions and social distancing mandates measures have eased, cases of influenza may be on the rise. Because some symptoms of the flu and COVID-19 are similar, people may need to be tested to tell what virus is causing their illness. People can be infected with the flu virus and COVID-19 at the same time, which could lead to increased severity of illness or hospitalization. Ensuring people continue to receive routine vaccinations, like the flu vaccine, is critical for protecting our families, elderly, and other vulnerable populations from preventable disease outbreaks.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/faq-flu-season-2022-2023.htm