Pediatric infectious disease researcher Dr. Chris Blyth, of Telethon Kids and Perth Children's Hospital, discusses the importance of getting the flu vaccine and coronavirus:
Q: Should you get the flu shot this year?
A: The flu vaccine is important this year, in fact it's critically important to consider an influenza vaccine this year and that's not because an influenza vaccine has any activity against the coronavirus.
An influenza (flu) vaccine will keep people healthy, will keep their lungs healthy as they transit through this difficult wintertime, at a time when coronavirus is spreading. We know that respiratory viruses and other respiratory infections often clump together and we want to keep people as healthy throughout this period of time.
So I'd encourage all people who are considering the influenza vaccine to talk to their health care provider about accessing one this year – we have a limited amount of flu shots available here at The Remedy Pharm. It's a good reminder to tell people that young children, particularly those under the age of five are now funded to receive an influenza vaccine as are the elderly, as are pregnant women and those with chronic medical conditions, but those who are not in those groups can still access an influenza vaccine through their healthcare provider and for many through their pharmacy.
Q: So you'd recommend that all of us get a flu vaccine? When is the best time?
A: I would recommend that all of us get an influenza vaccine particularly this year, anyone over the age of six months. Unfortunately, children under the age of six months are not eligible but vaccinating their moms during pregnancy is the most important protection those children can get as well.
Even towards the end of the influenza season if you have not been vaccinated you can still access a vaccine and I encourage people to do that. In previous years we've been advised to hold off getting your flu vaccine too early so that you were vaccinating during the peak of the flu season.
With coronavirus being around, I'm encouraging people to reach out when a vaccine is available so as soon as possible.
Q: Is there going to be enough vaccine? I imagine it's going to be pretty popular.
A: There is. My understanding of the ordering is we catered for enough vaccine and I would be speaking to your health care provider about the best way to access one.
Q: If you get it as soon as it comes out in April and we find out that the flu season actually doesn't come until August or September, is that too late to provide protection and should you be getting a second dose at that point?
No, it's not too late. We know for the vast majority of influenza vaccines the duration of protection is over that season. There are specific situations where you may consider a second vaccine and that's only if you're travelling to the northern hemisphere in the latter part of the year or sometimes in pregnant women who have had a previous vaccination last year but are now pregnant.
For most people, we're recommending one influenza vaccine per year. The only group who don't get that is those who are having influenza vaccine for the first time and in young children, they get two.
So this is the year you definitely want to get your flu shot and get it early. Please call us to schedule an appointment at 310-375-0655.
Aamina, PharmD RPh is available for Flu shots:
- Mon: 11am-1pm
- Wed: 11am-1pm
- Thurs: 11am-1pm
Jatin, PharmD RPh is available for Flu shots:
- Sat: 11am-2pm
Watch Full Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6UwCfsMEdo
