With the 2021-2022 flu season in full swing, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are encouraging the vast majority of Americans to get a flu shot. The CDC recommends the flu shot for most people, with the exception of children younger than six months of age and individuals with certain health conditions.
From combining flu shots with boosters to what to expect in terms of pain after a flu shot, the CDC is also encouraging people to make informed decisions. To this end, it has recently published a series of FAQs about getting the flu shot during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some of the highlights:
When and Where to Get the Annual Flu Shot
The CDC recommends getting the flu shot as early in the flu season as possible: “It’s best to be vaccinated before flu begins spreading in your community. . . . However, even if you are not able to get vaccinated until November or later, vaccination is still recommended because flu most commonly peaks in February and significant activity can continue into May.” In terms of where to get vaccinated, the CDC notes that most people can visit their local pharmacy or health department if they do not have a primary care physician. Individuals can also search for local flu shot providers using the CDC’s VaccineFinder.
Getting a Flu Shot and the COVID-19 Booster
According to the CDC, “you can get a flu vaccine at the same time you get a COVID-19 vaccine, including a COVID-19 booster shot.” The CDC also specifically notes that children five years of age and older can get a COVID-19 vaccine and flu shot during the same visit.
Getting a Flu Shot with Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19
The CDC advises health care providers not to provide flu shots to patients who have suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infections. This is for the protection of providers and other patients, not due to any contraindication between the flu shot and COVID-19.
With regard to getting a flu shot after recovering from a COVID-19 infection, the CDC advises that “patients who are isolating at home should wait until they meet criteria for leaving isolation (even if they have no symptoms) to come to a vaccination setting in order to avoid spreading COVID-19 to others.”
Flu Vaccination Does Not Protect Against or Increase Risk of COVID-19 Infection (or Vice Versa)
The flu vaccine does not provide protection against COVID-19 (nor does the COVID-19 vaccine provide protection against influenza). Likewise, the CDC reports that “[t]here is no evidence that getting a flu vaccination raises your risk of getting sick from COVID-19 or any other coronavirus.”
Pain After a Flu Shot? You May Have a Claim for Compensation
While moderate soreness after a flu shot is common, more-severe pain could be symptomatic of a vaccine-related injury or illness. In many cases, individuals who are diagnosed with a vaccine-related injury or illness will be entitled to compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). For more information about filing a claim under the VICP, call 202-800-1711 or request a free consultation online today.
Leah Durant Bio
Experienced litigation attorney Leah Durant focuses on representing clients in complex vaccine litigation matters. Leah Durant is the owner and principal attorney of the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, a litigation firm based in Washington, DC. Leah Durant and her staff represent clients and their families who suffer from vaccine-related injuries, adverse vaccine reactions and vaccine-related deaths. The Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC is dedicated to assisting individuals in recovering the highest level of compensation as quickly and efficiently as possible. To learn more, contact vaccine attorney Leah Durant today.