Urgent: Get Your COVID-19 and Flu Shots Before Holidays!

UPDATE: Health officials are urging Americans to get their COVID-19 and flu shots now as respiratory virus activity surges ahead of the holiday season. With flu activity, particularly flu A, rising across the U.S., the time to act is NOW.

According to the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu cases are increasing this month, prompting experts to reinforce the importance of vaccination. Dr. Nicholas Van Sickels, an infectious disease specialist with UK HealthCare, emphasized, “It is really not too late to get your shot.”

Flu season typically peaks between December and February, making this an ideal window for vaccination, especially as holiday gatherings approach. “If you plan holiday travel or getting together with others, this is a great time to get your flu shot if you haven’t,” Dr. Van Sickels added.

The CDC recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine, with particular emphasis on older adults, especially those aged 65 and older, who are at greater risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19. Common conditions that increase risk include heart, lung, and immune issues, as well as pregnancy and obesity.

Vaccine appointments are readily available at major pharmacies including Walgreens, CVS, and Kroger.

How effective is this year’s flu vaccine? Recent studies indicate that the flu vaccine is about 50% effective in preventing medical visits and hospitalizations due to flu, according to the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy. Vulnerable groups, including older adults and young children, stand to benefit significantly from vaccination, but even healthy adults can reduce their risk of severe illness by 40% to 60% when the vaccine is effective against circulating strains.

Dr. Van Sickels noted that vaccination not only helps prevent illness but also reduces the severity of symptoms if you do contract the virus. “It definitely helps people when they do get sick with the flu,” he stated, highlighting the importance of protecting oneself and others during this high-risk season.

Concerns about vaccine side effects are common. The CDC clarifies that flu vaccines cannot cause the flu. Side effects are generally mild and may include soreness at the injection site, headaches, and fatigue. For nasal spray vaccines, potential side effects include a runny nose and mild fever.

As we head into the busy holiday season, the urgency to protect against respiratory viruses has never been greater. Health officials stress that the consequences of going unvaccinated can lead to severe illness and extended periods of illness that could disrupt holiday plans.

Don’t delay—schedule your vaccine today and help protect yourself and your loved ones from serious illness this winter.