Here’s what we know. Every year, roughly 8% of the population gets sick from flu — that’s more than 26,000 people in Boulder County alone. In the winter, we spend more time indoors with the doors and windows closed, in close proximity to each other. These are the ideal conditions for spreading both flu and coronavirus, and creating a perfect storm for an overwhelmed medical system.
Unlike coronavirus-19 though, we can get vaccinated against flu. If every person who is able to gets a flu shot (or nasal spray) this year, we have a much better chance of keeping our economy buoyant and our medical system strong.
But we ask you to wait. The flu vaccine becomes 5 to 10% less effective each month after you get it. So plan your flu shot for early October to get protection during the months we’ll be indoors most. August is just too early for a flu shot.
The vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months old and older and, fortunately, there is enough for everyone. (The Centers for Disease Control) has ramped up the vaccine production this year to nearly 200 million doses — 25 million more than last year. And flu shots are easy to get at your health care provider’s office, many standalone and supermarket pharmacies, or by searching at vaccinefinder.org. They’re usually covered by most insurance plans.
Like coronavirus-19, influenza can impact all age groups, but is most severe for people who are 65 and older and those who have certain chronic medical conditions, including asthma, diabetes or heart disease. It can also be dangerous for pregnant women and children younger than 5.
It's been a tough year. Let’s all do this one thing to make it a little bit better.
Dr. Indira Gujral,
Communicable Disease and Emergency Management Division manager
Boulder County Public Health
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