4 Things You Need to Know About the Flu and COVID-19 Shots

Have questions about vaccinations? Your Hoag primary care physicians have the answers! Give them a call to schedule your vaccine appointments today, and keep the following in mind:

There is No Time Like the Present! Early fall is the right time for everyone six months and older to get the flu shot. This gives you the coverage you’ll need when flu season roars into full swing.

It’s Got the Right Stuff. This year’s flu vaccine covers the four strains of the flu virus most likely to hit the U.S. (Flu vaccine formulations vary from year to year, as scientists examine the flu viruses circulating around the world and notice how those viruses’ genes are mutating.)

Make It a Double. If you’re planning to get a COVID-19 booster, you can do that at the same time as your flu shot. Director of Infection Prevention at Hoag Dr. Philip Robinson warns “there’s an alarming possibility that a person could become ill with both the flu and COVID at the same time. While vaccines aren’t 100% effective, they greatly reduce your risk of getting sick and lower the severity of the illness if you do become sick. Don’t hesitate to get the shots.”

We’ve Cornered Omicron. The newest COVID-19 booster targets the highly contagious Omicron subvariants, as well as the original disease strain. Fully vaccinated people ages 5 and older are now eligible for the booster at least two months after their second dose or last booster shot.

Bonus Vaccination News: Polio! Most Americans born after 1955 were vaccinated against polio as children. But are you? The best way to protect yourself is to check your vaccine record, call your primary care physician and make sure you are up to date with all vaccinations.

You can schedule a vaccine appointment online at www.hoagmedicalgroup.com.