3 ways to Help Protect Against the Flu

The start of October also marks the start of the Flu Season. Especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, no one enjoys being sick. However, because of people wearing masks, staying home, social distancing, and washing hands, not many people reported having the flu. However, just because Influenza symptoms were lower last season, does not mean you or your community could be at risk. Covid is still around, and in fact, as the temperature begins to cool down, you may have to start thinking about getting vaccinated. Not just for Covid, but for the Flu also. It’s also a good idea to see if your senior citizens are vaccinated as well. Being that people over the age of 60 are at a high risk of contracting the Flu and Covid, it’s important that they get their vaccinations when they’re available.

But where should you go to get your vaccines? Well, there are a few places that are able to do so.

1. At your doctor's office: If your senior citizens have a doctor they see regularly, make sure they set up an appointment to talk about what vaccines are available to them.

2. At your local Pharmacy: Many Pharmacies offer the most recommended vaccines, for kids, teens, and adults. It’s a good idea to call ahead and schedule an appointment, especially for what is known as “Travel Vaccines”.

3. At a Local Health Department: Depending on which state you live in, These places provide tons of resources for finding places to get vaccinated. Also, they have information about your state's vaccine requirements with free and low-cost vaccines.

I know what you might be thinking, “Isn’t the Covid-19 vaccine basically the Flu vaccine?” Not necessarily. While both the purposes of the vaccines are the same, as well as the same timeframe it takes to be effective, each has a different method of strengthening your immune system. There are side effects to acknowledge, like sore arms, fevers, chills, and headaches. But all of that is proof that the vaccines are doing their jobs. Even so, nursing home workers should make sure that your Older Adults are taken care of when recovering. It’s also important to keep in mind the different Covid-19 vaccines that are available. The Moderna and Pfizer Vaccines are to be taken twice, while the Johnson & Johnson vaccine only needs a single shot. While fewer and fewer people are reporting having the flu or not, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared for any type of sickness. Let’s make sure everyone is safe by keeping your vaccinations up to date.