By Theo Smith, Associate, Marketing & Communications  

The 2020–21 flu season has officially begun. It is important for everyone, especially people with chronic diseases and disabilities, to get vaccinated each year against the flu virus. I It is especially important this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The flu shot protects you and those around you, who might be more vulnerable to illness. It can help to keep more people healthy, protect communities, and avoid overwhelming hospitals and doctor’s offices at this critical time. A flu shot will not protect against COVID-19. However, it is still important to get the vaccine to keep us all healthier. Getting the flu shot during the pandemic can help protect people with chronic diseases and disabilities, the elderly, those with underlying conditions, people susceptible to illness, and young children. It is essential that everyone gets a flu shot to protect all of these communities.  

During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is important be up–to–date on your vaccines. Many people may be behind on getting vaccines because they have avoided ed trips to their doctor to avoid COVID-19. Now is the time to get caught up!  

The flu and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, both can spread from person-to-person. The CDC recommends social distancing, frequent hand washing, and the use of cloth face masks to mitigate infection and protect us all against both COVID-19 and the flu. Symptoms of the flu and COVID-19 are similar, and in most cases, testing may be needed to confirm a diagnosis.  

Learn more about other key differences and the most recent available information on COVID-19 and the flu here. Get vaccinated this flu season to protect yourself and those around you.