But with intense focus still on COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters, this will be the first time that many people will be juggling inoculations for both respiratory diseases — leading to new questions about the effects, duration and timing of the flu shot.
Here’s what you should know about getting a flu shot this season.
Why do I need a flu shot?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that in a typical season, an average of 8% of the U.S. population gets sick with the flu — which can cause mild to severe illness, and can be fatal. The CDC says the best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated.
That’s even more important at this point in the COVID-19 pandemic, health experts say. They fear that if the flu does return this year, it could result in a double whammy — known in the medical world as coinfection.
“With things opening up and travel increasing, the resurgence of the flu is a big concern,” said Dr. Darvin Scott Smith, chief of infectious disease at Kaiser Permanente Redwood City Medical Center. “There could be a much higher flu rate this season, so everybody should go get the flu shot this year to be safe.”
When does flu season usually run?
Flu season varies, but typically it starts in November, peaks between December and February, and lasts through March. Dr. Jeffrey Silvers, medical director of infection control for Sutter Health, said some seasons can start as early as September or October, or continue through April.
But Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease expert with UCSF, said, “All bets are off this year.” That’s because with flu taking a break last year, he said, our immune systems’ guard is down.
“We may see an atypical season with timing since we as a population don’t have the same immune protection since the last time many people encountered flu was March 2020,” he wrote in an email.
Who should get vaccinated for the flu?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and experts recommend that everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated for the flu.
The CDC has released interim guidelines stressing the importance of routine and influenza vaccinations during the pandemic, stressing that flu inoculations help reduce the burden of respiratory illnesses in general — which is crucial for protecting people at risk for severe disease, the health system and other critical infrastructure.
How long does a flu shot last?
While it’s hard to measure how long immunity from the flu vaccine lasts, Silvers said protection is still pretty good after four months — and for those with a good immune system, coverage likely extends through about six months.
When should I get my flu shot? Could immunity wear off over time?
Anyone who is eligible to get a flu shot is encouraged to do so as soon as possible. The CDC says ideally everyone would be vaccinated by the end of October, and it takes two weeks for coverage from the vaccine to kick in.
Timing, though, can vary by group. Individuals older than 65 and immunocompromised people are generally advised not to get inoculated early. Chin-Hong said immunity may wear off sooner in older people, and immunocompromised individuals may not get the full antibody response.
“That is why we all need to get flu shots, to protect the most vulnerable members of our community as well,” he said. “And that is why we advise older folks to get their flu shots not too early, so (that they have enough) immunity by the time the flu really hits, and not too late, so you get the protection when you really need it.”
The CDC says children can be vaccinated as soon as the flu shot is available — and pregnant women in their third trimester should also consider early vaccination, because it helps protect infants during the first few months of life when they are too young to be inoculated.
Can I be infected with both coronavirus and flu at the same time?
A possible COVID-influenza “twindemic,” which has been a concern for experts since last season, has not materialized.
Chin-Hong said both viruses circulating at the same time “can make things worse by straining an already overburdened hospital system.” He and other experts warn of coinfection of both viruses, which could potentially cause severe disease.
“There is also the potential downside of having one lung infection, like influenza, making you more susceptible to another lung infection, like COVID, but there is less data about that at this time,” he said.
Can I get a flu shot and COVID vaccine or booster at the same time?
Yes. The CDC previously recommended people space the vaccines by two weeks out of an abundance of caution, but now says they can be administered at the same time. To minimize the reaction, the CDC advises receiving the vaccines in different arms, if possible. Smith further suggests getting the COVID vaccine or booster in the non-dominant arm.
Where can I get a flu shot?
You can check with your primary care doctor or your child’s pediatrician about making an appointment for a flu shot. Your local pharmacy will most likely offer them as well, and many should take walk-ins or offer online appointments. You can also check with community health clinics.
What else can I do to avoid the flu?
It’s widely believed that COVID health measures, including wearing a mask in public places and social distancing, helped keep the flu from spreading last year. Those measures, in conjunction with getting an influenza vaccine, can help lower the chances of getting the flu.
Kellie Hwang is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kellie.hwang@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @KellieHwang
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Flu shots and COVID: Do you need to worry about vaccine timing? What about a ‘twindemic’? - San Francisco Chronicle
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