Why Getting A Flu Vaccine May Be A Good Idea Now

We are still in the middle of the COVID-19 global pandemic, and while establishments have reopened and borders have started to welcome flights back in, we are still encouraged to stay home and choose the side of safety no matter where we're in, to avoid infection. It has truly been a challenge for the health system, but doing our part to stay healthy and avoid getting sick helps in dealing with the overwhelming number of cases that roll in each day.

While we continue to observe proper sanitation and hygiene, and strengthen our immune system via good sleep habits, eating healthy, and avoiding stress, another health-related question comes to mind is, "should I be getting a flu vaccine at the moment?"

We spoke to Dr. Roschelle Cedeño, M.D., a pediatrician, to get her expert opinion on whether getting vaccinated for the flu is an ideal thing to do right now. Scroll ahead for her advice!

She explains that seasonal flu vaccines may be administered during this time, because while the flu vaccine may not be protecting us from the COVID-19 virus, the vaccine can reduce seasonal influenza cases, and avian flu coexistence in one host. "It can also decrease influenza patients seeking consult, which can be mistook as the COVID-19 pandemic strain during the seasonal flu."

So simply put—the answer is yes, getting a flu vaccine at home right now may be a good idea. It rules out the confusion of whether your symptoms are COVID-19-related or not. 

She goes on to add that for parents who may not be able to leave the house, other diseases may arise for their kids if they don't get the right vaccines. Add to that, they may scared to leave the house and bring their kids to the clinic or hospital for vaccination. The solution lies in communicating with their family doctor. "I think the solution is for the pediatrician to set appointments for patients for vaccination, so that the children would be brought to the pediatrician only on the appointment time, they don’t have to wait for a long time in the clinic!" 

Better yet, if your family doctor or go-to clinic is able to administer vaccines privately in the comfort of your homes, make sure that you do it with PPEs in place—face masks, constant sanitation, and minimizing physical contact if not needed. Doing it in an open-air space may also help minimize the risk. Stay safe, stay home, stay healthy!

Lead photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels