Is December Too Late to Get a Flu Shot?
According to the CDC, most seasonal flu cases in the United States occur between December and February. While experts recommend patients to get their flu vaccine earlier in the season, learn the benefits of receiving your shot even during the height of flu season.
Protecting Your Family Through the Season
The ideal time to receive your flu shot is by the end of October so that the vaccine has time to work through your system before flu season peaks. However, flu season typically lasts until mid to late March, which means you can still protect yourself and your family through the spring if you get your flu shot now.
Why It’s Even More Important to Get Your Shot This Year
Getting a flu vaccine during the 2020-2021 flu season is more important than ever — even if you’re receiving your shot in December. With the COVID-19 resurging in Texas, many communities will be hit with the seasonal flu and coronavirus at once. Receiving your flu shot helps reduce your risks of becoming sick due to the flu and can help differentiate your flu-like symptoms.
Who Should Get a Shot?
More than 200,000 people are hospitalized each year because of the flu, and annual flu-related deaths ranging from 3,000 to 49,000 people in the United States.
The CDC recommends that everyone six months and older should receive a flu shot once a year. Additionally, some individuals that are at higher risk for severe flu symptoms include:
- Individuals with chronic conditions, like asthma and diabetes.
- Individuals with heart disease.
- Adults over the age of 65.
- Pregnant women.
- Individuals who have HIV or AIDS.
Patients in these risk groups need to receive their flu shots and maintain proper social distancing guidelines to reduce their chances of contracting a respiratory virus.
Flu Shots in Arlington
Whether it’s December or February, it’s not too late to get your flu shot. Your influenza vaccine is one of the top ways to protect your health this winter amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This season, receive your shot for a $20 cash payment or free with insurance at Urgentology Care. Stop by Urgentology Care for fast and convenient flu shot appointments.