New notebooks for school? Check.
Vacation plans for the holidays? Check.
Flu shot? Uh-oh.
If vaccinating against influenza is not at the top of your fall to-do list, consider making it a priority. The CDC estimates that the flu vaccine prevented 3,700 deaths during the 2022-2023 flu season – not to mention the 6 million flu-related illnesses, 2.9 million medical visits and 65,000 hospitalizations the vaccine helped people avoid.
That’s a lot of protection packed in one shot.
There are some things to know about flu season this year, including:
The flu vaccine has changed. Because one of the influenza type B strains has disappeared from circulation, the 2024-2025 vaccine will contain only three types of influenza instead of four as in the past few years. The updated trivalent version will include protection against two common type A influenza viruses and one type B influenza virus. This update underscores how closely the medical community monitors the flu virus and how strategically formulated the vaccinations are.
COVID-19 is on the rise. Cases– as well as hospitalizations and deaths – are on an upward trend. The increase in COVID cases serves as an important reminder to vaccinate against both the flu and COVID-19. A new COVID-19 vaccine is set for release at the end of summer, early fall, and people can receive both the flu and COVID vaccines at the same time.
We advise people to get the flu vaccine in the fall, just before flu season starts because the vaccine sends a person’s antibodies rocketing skyward, conferring protection against infection and disease. It is effective, safe and readily available.
Flu Shot Clinics
You can prioritize your health by getting a flu shot at one of Hoag’s upcoming flu vaccine clinics:
Dove Canyon, Hoag Health Center
31951 Dove Canyon Dr., Trabuco Canyon, CA 92679
Saturday, October 5, 2024, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
San Clemente, Dorothy Visser Senior Center
117 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente, CA 92672
Tuesday, October 8, 2024, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Irvine/Tustin, Hoag Health Center
4900 Barranca Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92618
Saturday, October 12, 2024, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
To reserve your spot at one of the Flu Shot Clinics and to learn more about the two vaccines to choose from, visit hoag.org/flu/.
