After years of navigating public health recommendations, it’s completely natural to feel some vaccine fatigue – a sense of weariness to keep up with vaccinations due to pandemic burnout, information overload or confusion.
But the truth is that the flu is still a serious threat. Staying protected matters for you and those around you.
According to the Associated Press, this past flu season was the most severe we’ve seen in over 15 years[1]. The CDC[2] estimates that the flu led to:
- 47 million illnesses
- 610,000 hospitalizations
- 27,000 deaths
While the CDC hasn’t yet released exact numbers on how many illnesses and hospitalizations were prevented by the flu vaccine this season, we know from past years that vaccination can make a big difference.
What can we do?
The CDC recommends[3] that everyone 6 months and older gets a flu shot each year, ideally before flu season starts late fall around October. It’s one of the best ways to protect yourself, your family, and your community. Benefits from receiving the vaccine:
- It reduces your risk of getting sick
- It lessens the severity of symptoms if you do get the flu
- It protects vulnerable loved ones and your wider community
- It helps reduce missed workdays and healthcare strain
If you’re feeling hesitant, that’s understandable, but the flu vaccine is clearly one of the best tools we have to stay healthy next winter.
Need help getting vaccinated?
Be Well Solutions offers flu shots! If you’d like more information on how to schedule a clinic for your organization, don’t hesitate to reach out through this link.