Each year, autumn’s arrival means the onset of flu season. And each year, vaccines are made available to help slow the spread of the flu, and lessen the severity for those who do get it.

Should you and your family get flu shots this year? Short answer: “Yes.” Check out the opening of this October 8 article in The Washington Post:

“Health officials are urging Americans to get their flu shots, warning the flu season that didn’t materialize when most of society was shut down last year could come roaring back and strain hospitals in the months ahead.”

Influenza is a serious illness. It can result in hospitalization, which, depending on where you live, could be more complicated this year than in prior years. Some hospitals have been running low on oxygen because of the heavy demand from COVID patients. And the healthcare professionals who treat respiratory ailments (including the flu and COVID-19) are already stretched thin.

There’s another reason this winter’s flu season may be rougher: “Because of so little disease last year, population immunity is likely lower, putting us all at risk of increased disease this year,” according to Rochelle Walensky, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

No-cost flu shots for PacificSource members

We make it convenient (and affordable) for members to get flu shots. Just show your PacificSource ID at an in-network doctor’s office or pharmacy, including Albertsons, CVS, Costco, Fred Meyer, and Safeway.

Want to learn more about fighting the flu? Check out our Flu Prevention Resource Center. Ready to roll up that sleeve? You can find a pharmacy on our website.

Flu Q & A

Q. Should I get a flu vaccine if I’m already vaccinated for COVID?
A. Yes. COVID-19 vaccines don’t protect you against the flu.

Q. Can I get the flu shot and my COVID shot or booster at the same time?
A. Most likely. But you should call ahead to see if the pharmacy can do both.

Q. Should children be vaccinated?
A. The CDC recommends flu shots for children 6 months and older.

Q. Are flu vaccines safe?
A. Yes. Each year’s flu vaccines are thoroughly tested and approved by the FDA.

Q. If I’m vaccinated, can I still get the flu?
A. Possibly. But if you’re vaccinated, you’ll reduce your chances of getting the flu by up to 60%. And, crucially, if you do get the flu, it will likely be less severe, so you won’t need to be hospitalized.

Q. Can I get the flu from the flu shot?
A. No, but you might feel a little sick for the first 24-48 hours. This is because your body is developing antibodies to the flu. This doesn’t happen to everyone and is usually very mild.