Influenza vaccination reduces the burden of medical care during a pandemic.news

Ithaca, NY- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), influenza vaccination is more important than ever. The CDC recommends that you be vaccinated against influenza from 2020 to 2021 to reduce the burden on your healthcare system to treat patients with COVID-19. It is advisable to get a flu shot because it helps keep your immune system, especially your respiratory system, strong in case you get a COVID by reducing your risk of getting the flu.

Samantha Hilson, a spokesman for the Tompkins County Health Department, said the department recommends that everyone over the age of six months be vaccinated against the flu each year.

“Many signs and symptoms of the flu appear suddenly and can be very similar to those of COVID-19,” she said. “I have fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, etc. This year, I want to avoid getting the flu so that I don’t unnecessarily isolate or isolate an individual while I wait for the COVID-19 test results. I think. “

Mr. Hilson regrets that the Ministry of Health has no plans for influenza or other vaccinations at the clinic at this time due to the COVID-19 response, but the residents are the attending physician, 2-1- 1 or call the pharmacy to get a shot.In addition, you can visit VaccineFinder.org To find a place near you.

As of October 23, 164.7 million influenza vaccinations have been carried out. Distributed.. Many pharmacies offer flu shots and encourage people to get vaccinated.

In order to provide better service to the residents of Isaka, pharmacies have taken some positive steps to meet the needs of their patients.

At Walgreens, for example, these measures include increasing the supply of influenza vaccines, meeting and exceeding the CDC and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety and precautionary guidelines. In addition to patient screening and temperature checks, pharmacy team members are required to wear face masks and face shields during vaccinations, and the vaccination area is cleaned and disinfected after the patient leaves. I am.

Alexandra Brown, a Walgreens media relations spokesman, added that in most states, members of the pharmacy team have updated store policies to allow children over the age of 3 to receive the flu vaccine. Depending on the location of the store, members of the pharmacy team distribute influenza vaccination clinics in tents inside or outside the store.

Cornell University requires Ithaca-based students to be vaccinated against influenza as part of the COVID-19 Behavior Compact. However, this is not the case if it is done only in medical, religious, or justified situations. The deadline for students to receive the vaccine was October 24, but with the addition of three more clinics in November, the school partnered with Wegmans to provide an on-campus flu vaccine clinic. Additional clinics are November 4, November 9, and November 18.

A Wegmans spokesman reiterated the feeling that this year is more important than ever for flu shots.

“”Customer and employee safety remains a top priority, “says Marcie Rivera. “We have enhanced the hygiene of high-contact touchpoints throughout the store and between vaccinations. Pharmacists wear additional protective equipment when vaccinated against influenza and touchpoints when customers come to the store. Streamlined the process of reducing the number of their vaccines. “

In addition, CVS Senior Director and Corporate Communications Spokesperson Mike de Angelis said he has been vaccinated twice as much as usual so far, so he will focus on flu shots. Seems to be placed.

“Due to high demand, we have given about 10 million flu shots at pharmacies and retail clinics by this season,” he said. “We plan to have 18 million flu shots throughout the season, which is twice as much as last season.”

The best time to get a flu shot is usually September and October, but today it’s not too late to get a flu shot. Check your local pharmacy and book your flu shot now.