Flu Shot in 2020: If you haven’t gotten one, now is the time to do it!

Have you and your family gotten your flu shot this year? If not, here’s why it’s crucial!

We are still in the middle of a pandemic and the consequences of Influenza and Coronavirus coexisting in the same season is an uncertainty. Health officials are speculating that it could be catastrophic. Why is that so?

First, the public health issue of being in a pandemic remains. The additive effect of hospitalizations from the flu on top of hospitalizations from increasing numbers from COVID-19 can overburden our health care system this winter. Things may be stable now, but this can change very quickly. Second, we do not know what co-infection with the flu and COVID-19 looks like in people in terms of complications and severity of illness. This uncertainty is frightening, especially in people with underlying medical conditions such as our children.

Some will argue that they have still become ill with the flu despite vaccination. This can certainly happen but you should understand that the benefits from the flu vaccine are not always “all or nothing”.

Our son became ill with the flu a few years ago even after being vaccinated, but I continue to vaccinate. Why? Because even if it doesn’t prevent the flu, it can decrease the severity of symptoms and reduce complications. For us, if that means less seizures during the illness or reducing the chance of dehydration, I’ll take it.

A study conducted at Childrens National Hospital in Washington, D.C. this year that stated the most common underlying condition in children hospitalized from either influenza or COVID-19 was neurologic problems from global developmental delay or seizures (1). Our son fits this profile, so it’s no surprise that we are being extra cautious this fall and winter.

The risk is real for everyone, and higher for our medically fragile children. If your child’s physician recommends he/she receive the flu vaccine, IT IS NOT TOO LATE!!

If you are worried about exposing your child to coronavirus or other illnesses while at the doctor getting a flu shot, it may be safer to get it now before the pediatrician’s office is flooded with sick children.

Remember, it takes 2-3 weeks to take effect. You still have time to have some immunity before November rolls in.

You can’t afford to wait this year. Make the appointment now.

1. AMA Netw Open. 2020;(3).