Flu Season 2020 Q&A

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that, from October 1, 2019, through April 4, 2020, there have been:

• 39,000,000 - 56,000,000 flu illnesses
• 18,000,000 - 26,000,000 flu medical visits
• 24,000 - 62,000 flu deaths

The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends annual influenza vaccination for all individuals six months of age and older.

Timing is an issue. August might be a bit early as immunity tends to wane. September or October would be better, but it depends upon your local flu season and availability of the vaccine. Remember, it takes a few weeks to benefit from the full effects of the vaccine.

There are many different influenza vaccines formulations licensed for use in the U.S., including inactivated (killed virus) vaccines that are injected into muscle or into skin, a recombinant (engineered protein) vaccine that is injected into muscle, and a live attenuated (disabled virus) vaccine that is sprayed into the nose. The choice of vaccine formulation depends upon several factors, including age, comorbidities, and risk of adverse reaction. CDC does not preferentially recommend any particular licensed age-appropriate vaccine formulation.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• For ages 6 months and older, inactivated injectable formulations are available and dosed based on age. For ages 2 years to 49 years, the attenuated FluMist Quadrivalent intranasal vaccine is an alternative. (Quadrivalent means having four ingredients.)
• Healthy, nonpregnant adults between 18 and 49 years of age can take an inactivated vaccine or the live attenuated influenza vaccine.
• Women in any stage of pregnancy are encouraged to take an inactivated injectable influenza vaccine, which can protect a woman from flu during and after pregnancy, and also protect her baby from flu for several months after birth.
• For individuals between 50 and 64 years of age, inactivated influenza vaccines are available.
• Individuals ages 65 years or older can take the high-dose inactivated influenza vaccine (Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent) when available. An alternative is the quadrivalent recombinant vaccine (Flublok Quadrivalent).

It is okay for people with egg allergy to get the flu vaccine. CDC reports that people with egg allergies can receive any licensed, recommended age-appropriate influenza vaccine that is otherwise appropriate. People who have had severe reactions to egg should be vaccinated in a medical setting and supervised by a health care provider who is able to recognize and manage severe allergic reactions. Two completely egg-free flu vaccine options are available: an injectable quadrivalent recombinant vaccine (Flublok Quadrivalent for adults 18 years and older) and an injectable quadrivalent cell-based vaccine (Flucelvax Quadrivalent for people 4 years and older).

It is certainly possible to get influenza and coronavirus at the same time. Protection from one will not protect you from the other. If you had both, the results could be very serious.

Yes. Flu vaccines are safe when given as directed and are certainly safer than the actual disease they are designed to prevent.

It is difficult to predict, but It is possible that this year’s influenza season might be less severe due to the mask wearing and social distancing used to prevent COVID-19.