Holiday Season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate this upcoming season than by coming together with family and friends! While Holiday celebrations can be exciting and fun, it is crucial for you and your family to get vaccinated against both the flu and COVID-19 if you have not done so already. Dr. Daniel Kuritzkes, chief of infectious disease at Brigham and Women’s Hospital recommends getting the flu vaccine every year, but particularly this year and he states that it is “most important for especially vulnerable people like young children, elderly, and those with chronic health conditions”.
Due to a decrease in flu virus activity since the beginning of COVID-19 back in March 2020 and a reduced population immunity against the flu, this could potentially result in an early and possibly severe flu season this year. Wearing a mask and continuing to physically distance can help protect you and those around you from these respiratory viruses, however, the best way to reduce your risk of contracting the flu and COVID-19 is to get vaccinated. If you do not have a health care professional that you see regularly, you can find both vaccines at several places, including health departments and pharmacies. We want everyone to have a safe and healthy holiday season, so please get you and your family vaccinated against COVID- 19 and the flu as soon as possible.
Who is Eligible for these Vaccinations as Recommended by the CDC
- Annual Influenza/ Flu vaccine: Individuals aged 6 months or older
- COVID-19 vaccine: Individuals aged 5 years old or older
- COVID- 19 Booster: Effective immediately anyone 18 years of age and older is eligible to receive a booster shot six months after receiving their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or two months after getting the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
