PENNSYLVANIA — It’s that time of year again when we start thinking about getting our flu shots. But this year, there’s another vaccination we need to consider: the COVID-19 booster. With the greater risk of illness, it’s more important than ever to make sure we’re protected against all possible threats. That’s why Pennsylvania Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson is urging residents to get their flu shot and COVID-19 booster shots as we enter the 2022-2023 flu season.
“This flu season has the potential to be severe, so we are encouraging Pennsylvanians to get their flu shot and COVID-19 booster together to keep our communities safe,” said Dr. Johnson. Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from the flu, and with the added protection of a COVID-19 booster, we can help reduce the spread of both diseases.
This year, both the flu shot and nasal spray are available and recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older to protect against the flu. The flu vaccine can often diminish the severity of symptoms a person might experience should they come down with the flu. The updated COVID-19 bivalent boosters are also available to provide protection against the original virus strain as well as the Omicron variant (and its subvariants BA.4 and BA.5).
“The flu shot and COVID-19 bivalent booster are both available by visiting your doctor’s office, pharmacy, grocery store, local walk-in clinic or state health center by appointment,” said Dr. Johnson.
Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness, caused by the influenza virus. It attacks the nose, throat, and lungs and may include the following symptoms:
- fever
- headache
- tiredness
- dry cough
- sore throat
- nasal congestion
- body aches
Similarly, COVID-19 symptoms could include:
- fever
- cough
- shortness of breath
- diarrhea
- chills
- repeated shaking with chills
- muscle pain
- headache
- sore throat
- new loss of taste or smell
Since the flu and COVID-19 are comparable, it may be hard to tell the difference between the viruses based on symptoms alone, and so testing is needed to help confirm a diagnosis. It takes about two weeks for the antibodies from the vaccine to develop protection against infection. This small but powerful action will protect your family, friends and frontline health care workers who will be caring for sick people with respiratory illnesses this fall and winter.
Both vaccines reduce the risk of illness, hospitalization and death, and it is important to get both vaccines to protect yourself against both viruses. The CDC reported that it is safe to get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time.
In addition to getting vaccinated, Pennsylvanians are encouraged to practice preventive healthy habits like using your elbow to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, frequently washing your hands during flu season, and remembering to disinfect commonly touched objects, such as doorknobs, light switches, countertops, cell phones, and computers.
If you do become sick with the flu, it is important to stay home and rest. If you are at risk for developing serious complications from the flu, or feel extremely ill, you should see a medical professional immediately.
Additional information on how to stay healthy and prevent the flu and COVID-19 can be found on the Department of Health’s website.
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