SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Fenton: Flu Vaccine Is Critically Important This Season

Press release from SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Fenton:

October 15, 2021

As the weather gets colder, flu season is upon us and physicians with SSM Health are well equipped and ready to provide care and relief. The best way to protect against the flu is to get a vaccine. The flu vaccine is recommended for all individuals over six months old. Dr. Shephali Wulff, SSM Health system director of infectious diseases, said there are a few things that are different regarding the 2021-2022 flu season. “The composition of flu vaccines protect against four different flu viruses.” Wulff said. “Ideally, everyone should aim to be vaccinated by the end of November.”

SSM Health recommends people 65 or older, with chronic medical conditions (diabetes, asthma or heart disease) and those who are pregnant get the vaccine. If you are in regular contact with anyone who fits the above criteria it is also advised that you receive your annual flu vaccine.

Why is a flu vaccine important?

Flu cases dropped to historically low levels globally during the COVID-19 pandemic. With schools and businesses back open and travel resuming, experts worry the flu season could be much worse this year. “With fewer people social distancing and wearing masks, we are predicting more flu cases this year,” Wulff said. “It’s critical for people to get their flu vaccines to prevent another pandemic.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the flu vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against flu and potentially serious complications. Below is a summary outlined by the CDC of the benefits of a flu vaccination:

• Flu vaccination can keep you from getting sick with the flu
• Flu vaccination has been shown in studies to prevent serious illness in people who are vaccinated but still get sick
• Flu vaccination can reduce the risk of flu-associated hospitalization
• Flu vaccination is an important preventive tool for people with certain chronic health conditions
• Flu vaccination helps protect pregnant people during and after pregnancy
• Flu vaccine can be lifesaving in children
• Getting vaccinated can help protect the people around you

SSM Health will provide influenza vaccines through the ambulatory clinics and drive-through vaccine events. The influenza vaccines are also offered free of charge at retail pharmacies. Contact your SSM Health physician for more information.

This press release was produced by SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Fenton. The views expressed here are the author’s own.