Flu Vaccine Awareness

At Marque Urgent Care, flu vaccinations are available now to keep our patients and communities safe and well this holiday season. The influenza virus commonly circulates in the United States from late fall through early spring. An important tool to prevent missing out on work, school, and family events this holiday season is the flu vaccination. Other tools that have been emphasized in the last couple of years, including masking, social distancing, hand washing, and staying home when sick are also helpful and have influenced the globally historically low levels of influenza during the 2020-2021 flu season.

The flu vaccine should be taken anytime from October and throughout the influenza season. A routine annual flu vaccine is recommended for those 6 months and older who do not have contraindications (Grohskopf, et al. 2022). If you are unsure about contraindications, please consult with a provider. 

We understand that viral respiratory infections may be a source of confusion, but we are here to answer your questions. While the flu and COVID-19 have nearly the same symptoms, they are caused by different viruses. Luckily at Marque Urgent Care, we offer rapid flu and COVID-19 tests to give you certainty and peace of mind. According to the CDC, it is possible to have the flu and COVID-19 at the same time. The flu vaccination is not effective in protecting against COVID-19 but does reduce the risk of flu-related illness. Similarly, the COVID-19 vaccination will not protect against the flu.

A flu vaccine is safe to be taken at the same time as a COVID-19 booster shot for eligible children and adults. If you are positive for COVID-19, it is recommended to wait until the requirements to end isolation have been met. For those who have recovered from COVID-19, flu vaccination timing is a matter of clinical discretion (CDC.gov). To obtain medical advice from the comfort of home, please schedule a virtual visit and speak with a Marque virtual provider here: https://marquemedical.com/virtual-care/. We hope we don’t have to see you this holiday season but are here when you need us! 

References 
“Frequently Asked Influenza (Flu) Questions: 2022-2023 Season.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 8 Nov. 2022, https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/faq-flu-season-2022-2023.htm. 

Grohskopf, Lisa A et al. “Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices – United States, 2022-23 Influenza Season.” MMWR. Recommendations and reports : Morbidity and mortality weekly report. Recommendations and reports vol. 71,1 1-28. 26 Aug. 2022, doi:10.15585/mmwr.rr7101a1