The last influenza season may have been light, but don’t let that prompt you to take this season lightly when consulting with your patients about flu shots.
Seasonal flu didn’t make much of an appearance last year with people isolating and defending themselves from germs by wearing masks and maintaining social distance. But Texas physicians like Austin pediatric infectious disease specialist Donald Murphey, MD, say we may not be so lucky this year, and with upcoming holiday gatherings, it’s necessary to urge patients to get their annual flu shot.
“We’re starting to see an increase in flu cases,” said Dr. Murphey, chair of the Texas Medical Association’s Council on Science and Public Health.
So, remind your patients that flu vaccination is recommended each year for everyone 6 months of age and older, including pregnant women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And people who have had a COVID-19 vaccination still need an annual flu vaccination.
For patients who haven’t yet had a COVID-19 vaccination, infectious disease experts say getting it at the same time as a flu vaccination is fine.
For more information and materials on vaccines, including fact sheets, graphics, and videos, visit TMA’s webpage for the Vaccines Defend What Matters initiative, which strives to overcome vaccine hesitancy and increase vaccination rates in Texas.
Last Updated On
November 30, 2021
Originally Published On
November 30, 2021