The Massachusetts Medical Society advises people to contact their physician or health care provider to discuss influenza vaccination and to schedule an appointment to get vaccinated as soon as possible, ideally by the end of October.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) warns that decreased population immunity resulting from reduced flu activity since March 2020 could bring about an early and potentially severe flu season.
Getting flu vaccination is recommended and safe for individuals over six months of age, and is critical in keeping yourself, your family, your community, and your schools healthy.
Seasonal flu can be a serious and deadly disease. Being immunized against it can prevent you and others from getting dangerously ill and requiring a visit to emergency departments or hospitals, whose resources are stretched by the COVID-19 surge and caring for very sick patients.
It is as important as ever to adhere to basic preventive measures to thwart the spread of transmissible diseases like the flu and COVID-19. Practice physical distancing, wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, and stay home when you’re not feeling well. We encourage anyone with questions or concerns about flu vaccination to have a conversation with their physician or health care provider.
-Carole E. Allen, MD, MBA, FAAP, President, Massachusetts Medical Society
