Fall 2020

Flu shots can help prevent a ‘twindemic’

Getting the flu shot can help protect you and your community from the flu during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Protecting yourself against preventable diseases like the flu in normal times can help reduce the severity and duration of the illness. During a pandemic, however, getting a flu shot can lower the risk of contracting multiple diseases at once. It can also help prevent what health officials call a ‘twindemic,’ which occurs when a severe flu season overlaps with a pandemic such as COVID-19.

“Influenza and COVID-19 are both respiratory illnesses with many common symptoms,” said Moda Health Clinical Pharmacist, Emily Kemenyes. “Getting the flu vaccine can reduce the likelihood of catching the flu, where symptoms could get confused with COVID.

“(COVID-19) is still a novel virus, so we still don’t know a lot about it. If you can prevent one illness that’s very common and we have a vaccine for, it’s important to protect yourself against it,” she added. “When your body is working really hard to fight one disease, and you introduce another virus on top of that, it’s very hard to have enough energy to overcome both viruses at the same time.”

Health benefits of the flu shot

Kemenyes shared some of the health benefits that the flu vaccine can have on yourself and the community at large, including:

1. Keeps you healthy and productive:
   Getting a flu shot protects your health, can keep you out of the hospital, and reduces the amount of sick days spent out of work.
2. Protects your family and friends:
   Our family and friends are the people we have the closest contact with. If you are vaccinated, that provides some protection for everyone else. Plus, getting your flu shot can encourage other family members to get theirs, too.
3. Prevents a potential twindemic:
   Since we don’t currently have a vaccine for COVID-19, it’s important to protect yourself against illnesses that we have a known strategy for. This also preserves your energy for the other viruses that we don’t have a lot of protection against.
4. Protects your community:
   During these uncertain times, it’s important to foster a sense of community. What better way to do that than to protect your community against a known illness than going to your local pharmacy to get a flu vaccine? The flu shot is one of the most valuable defenses we have to prevent the flu.

Positive ripple effect

While the flu can spread quickly, Kemenyes said getting a flu shot can have a positive ripple effect on the community. She said every person who gets the vaccine helps protect others, including those who are at higher risk.

“Getting a flu shot is like a rolling snowball effect. When one person gets vaccinated, it helps protect others who they come in contact with,” she said. “For people with chronic conditions who are higher risk, anyone who gets a flu shot is helping protect their loved ones, neighbors, and others in their community.”

Where to get your flu shot?

Local pharmacies are the most convenient locations to get the flu shot. They are fully equipped, accept walk-ins, and are covered by at no member cost sharing when you see an in-network pharmacy. To find an in-network pharmacy, use Moda’s online provider directory Find Care here or call your health navigators at 866-923-0409.

Kemenyes said your doctor’s office is also a good place to get the flu shot. She suggests that anyone who has their well-exams in the fall to also schedule a flu shot during their visit if they are trying to limit their exposure to COVID-19.

The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) recommends getting the flu shot by October. Because it takes 2-4 weeks to build antibodies after getting a flu shot, this helps ensure you are protected against the disease before flu season peaks in January and February. Visit the CDC website today to learn more about the benefits of flu vaccination.