After a historically low flu season last fall and winter, health experts are convinced that getting the flu vaccine is more important than ever this year. Why? Many health experts believe the low flu activity over the last year has lowered immunity to the virus and made patients, especially high-risk groups, more susceptible to getting the illness. That’s why now is the best time get the 2021 flu vaccine.

When Should I Get the 2021 Flu Vaccine?

The flu season typically begins in October with an uptick in cases occurring in November and December. That’s why experts recommend everyone six months and older get inoculated sometime between October and November. Prompt vaccination helps ease the burden on the healthcare system and protects at-risk groups. 

Why Covid-19 Lowered Flu Activity in the 2020-21 Season

The preventative steps we’ve taken over the last year for covid-19 such as wearing masks, social distancing, and keeping hands washed or sanitized helped create the lowest flu activity on record in decades. Some experts believe this year’s flu season will be different and Dr. Gregory Poland, an infectious disease expert and director of the Mayo Clinic’s Vaccine Research Group told Fox News that he believes we are at risk of experiencing a “tridemic” of overlapping illnesses including the flu, covid-19, and RSV. 

The flu, covid-19, and RSV are overlapping illnesses with overlapping symptoms that can make it more difficult to properly diagnose without further testing. Though neither the flu vaccine or covid-19 vaccines offer 100 percent protection against the viruses, they do greatly lower the risk of contracting the illnesses while also making symptoms milder and shorter-lasting if you do get sick.

If you haven’t received your flu or covid-19 vaccine, you’re in luck. Right now is the time to get vaccinated for both illnesses. Recent studies have shown that it’s perfectly safe to get the flu and covid-19 vaccines at the same time. This means you can start protecting yourself from both illnesses on the same day. 

The Moderna vaccine has been found to be the most effective in protecting against covid-19. EliteCare offers Moderna vaccinations seven days a week. You can walk-in or call 662-348-3342 to schedule an appointment.