Health experts urge flu vaccinations amid rising cases
Flu shots are available at doctors’ offices and pharmacies, and they can be given alongside the COVID-19 vaccine.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - As National Influenza Vaccination Week is underway, Nashville health experts are emphasizing the importance of getting vaccinated to protect against the flu.
With flu hospitalizations on the rise, Dr. William Schaffner, professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University, is preparing for a surge in cases following holiday gatherings.
“It’s a steady increase,” Dr. Schaffner said. “Thanksgiving and all of that travel and closeness with family and friends and in airports and wherever could lead to an acceleration of the spread.”
Dr. Schaffner said getting vaccinated is the most effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones from severe symptoms.
“The flu vaccine turns wild into mild,” Dr. Schaffner explained. “It prevents severe disease. The flu vaccine works best by keeping you out of the hospital and the intensive care unit and protects you from dying. And so, what’s wrong with that?”
Vaccination rates in Tennessee remain lower than anticipated this year. However, Dr. Schaffner said that it’s not too late to get vaccinated.
“When you get the vaccine, it takes about 10 days or two weeks for the full protection to build up,” he said. “So it’s timely. You’ll be protected over the holidays.”
Flu shots are available at doctors’ offices and pharmacies, and they can be given alongside the COVID-19 vaccine.
“For people 60 and older, talk to your doctor; you may be eligible for that RSV vaccine,” Dr. Schaffner said. “There are three viruses that become active during the respiratory virus season, and we have vaccines for all.”
Flu season typically peaks between December and February, and it takes about two weeks after vaccination for it to be fully effective.
By getting vaccinated now, you can be protected well into March and during the height of flu season.
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