Sree Chaguturu, executive vice president and chief medical officer of CVS Health, said: He says his COVID-19 protections, such as masks and social distancing, helped reduce the number of flu cases when the pandemic began. But as people interact more, flu cases are on the rise.

“We expect the flu season to start a little earlier this year and be a little more serious in terms of the number of cases we’ve seen so far,” Sree said.

protect health

Therefore, flu vaccination is as essential to health as the latest COVID-19 boosters and other seasonal vaccines.

“Millions of people get the flu each year. Hundreds of thousands are hospitalized. Tens of thousands die,” Three says. “Flu vaccination is one of her best ways to protect herself and her family. It has been shown to reduce the risk of flu-related illnesses and their serious flu complications.”

Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for most people over the age of 6 months, especially essential workers, people over the age of 65, those with compromised immune systems, and those with chronic illnesses.

Keep in mind that the flu vaccine takes about two weeks to build immunity in your body, adds Three. Flu season is upon us and we can boost our defenses.”

COVID-19 boosters and additional vaccines

Hoping to avoid a spike in COVID-19 cases as well, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is now recommending a bivalent vaccine booster that also targets the new Omicron subvariant. But whether he can reduce the number of COVID-19 cases this fall and winter will depend on how many people get vaccinated.

A flu shot won’t protect you from COVID-19 and a COVID-19 vaccine won’t protect you from the flu, but both are easy to get and recommended. “Patients can get the COVID-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine at the same time. At CVS Pharmacy, patients can book both vaccines at the same appointment,” he says Sree.

According to the CDC, the updated Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster is now approved for people over the age of 12, while the Moderna booster is approved for people over the age of 18. See your local CVS pharmacist, or Your doctor will also help determine your eligibility, says Sree.

Linda Molaka, CVS Pharmacy® Manager in Pembroke Pines, Fla., recommends eligible patients get a boost. “It’s always good to have the best protection we can have. That’s what vaccines are for, to help prevent hospitalizations and serious complications,” she says.

She also provides other vaccinations such as pneumonia, shingles, HPV and meningitis and helps customers decide which ones they need. I know what to do,” she says. “So I’m definitely one of your great resources.”

The CVS Health Dashboard also allows patients to track their vaccinations. This can be especially useful for young Americans. Young Americans are missing out on vaccinations, according to a new national Harris survey commissioned by CVS Health. Nearly 1 in 3 of Gen Z and young millennials say they don’t know when to get a booster shot and don’t know where to go. Find your vaccination record.

Make vaccination convenient

To keep people up to date, CVS Pharmacy and MinuteClinic® locations are offering flu shots, COVID-19 shots, boosters, and more every day, including evenings and weekends .

“85% of people live within 10 miles of a CVS pharmacy, and with more than 9,000 nationwide, it’s definitely more convenient than a typical 9-5 pharmacy,” says Linda. . “Every day, every night, every weekend, MinuteClinic providers, CVS pharmacists, everyone is there for our community.”

Recent Harris Survey data shows that more than half of parents with children under the age of 6 find the entire vaccination process stressful. That’s why CVS Health allows patients to book immunization appointments at her CVS.com, through the CVS app, or at any of her MinuteClinics.

Families can also book online for group vaccinations of up to four people.

“We’re trying to make this as convenient as possible,” says Sree. “Our digital scheduler provides flexibility and allows multiple patients to be scheduled at once, allowing families and groups to get vaccinated together.”

So far, the new group’s schedule is going well, says Linda. “Parents love it because they’re role models for their kids. You see, Mom and Dad will get it,” she says. It’s much easier.”

Louann, who booked her family’s flu shots online, agrees. “Rather than taking the kids to the doctor separately, it’s really convenient to be able to get the whole family there and get vaccinated at the same time.”