*Vaccine availability and administration capabilities vary by location and state regulation. Flu vaccines are covered by most insurance plans and are free to the recipient, check with your plan.
The Flu & COVID-19
Disease Incidence
Even though both the flu and COVID-19 are contagious respiratory illnesses, they’re caused by different viruses. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimate that influenza has resulted in 9-45 million illnesses and 12,000-61,000 deaths annually since 2010. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports over 163 million confirmed coronavirus cases and more than 3 million deaths as of May 2021.
The Importance of Vaccination
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses is more important than ever. Receiving the flu and COVID-19 vaccines is an essential step to stopping the spread of disease as well as protecting vulnerable populations such as the elderly, immunocompromised and those too young to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Symptoms
Some flu and COVID-19 symptoms are similar, so it may be hard to diagnose an illness based on symptoms alone. Symptoms of both the flu and COVID-19 may include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, muscle aches, headaches and fatigue.*
Disease Incidence
Even though both the flu and COVID-19 are contagious respiratory illnesses, they’re caused by different viruses. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimate that influenza has resulted in 9-45 million illnesses and 12,000-61,000 deaths annually since 2010. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports over 163 million confirmed coronavirus cases and more than 3 million deaths as of May 2021.
The Importance of Vaccination
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses is more important than ever. Receiving the flu and COVID-19 vaccines is an essential step to stopping the spread of disease as well as protecting vulnerable populations such as the elderly, immunocompromised and those too young to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The following frequently asked questions were created following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Influenza, better known simply as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness and, at times, can even lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.
Older people, young children and people with certain health conditions are at higher risk for serious flu complications. If you do get the flu, being vaccinated may help reduce the severity of symptoms and risk for complications. This flu season, it is more important than ever to get a flu vaccine. The flu vaccine will not protect against COVID-19, but it will reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization and death, thereby helping conserve potentially scarce healthcare resources.
People age 6 months and older are eligible to receive an annual seasonal flu vaccine, with rare exceptions that include those with allergies. Talk to your licensed healthcare provider to learn which type of flu vaccine is right for you.
Getting the seasonal flu vaccine annually (once a year) is the best way to reduce your risk of catching the seasonal flu and spreading it to others. September and October are ideal months to get your flu shot.
The CDC recommends injectable influenza vaccines. There is no preference for one flu vaccine over another as long as the vaccine is licensed and age appropriate.
No. The flu shot contains inactivated virus, so you cannot get the flu from the vaccine.
Yes, the COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines like influenza may be administered on the same day and at any interval without respect to timing.
Cold, Cough & Flu Medicine
Other Recommended Vaccines
Are you up to date on all your vaccines? While getting your influenza vaccine, you can also get vaccinated for COVID-19, shingles, pneumonia and more.
