Flu Vaccine: Why It's Important in 2020/2021 | UC San Diego Health

This year you can join our Health Care Heroes in

the fight against COVID-19 by getting a flu vaccine.

Hi I'm Dr. Marlene Millen a primary care physician at UC San Diego Health.

I have been practicing for more than 20 years and want to share

why it's more important than ever to get the flu vaccine.

We know it's possible to spread infection from healthy people

before they develop any symptoms to those at risk for COVID-19.

The flu is no different. While flu vaccination

won't protect directly against COVID-19 there are important benefits.

We know from many years of data that getting flu vaccine can be effective for

lessening the severity of flu illness, hospitalization, and death.

If you don't normally get a flu vaccine this should be the year you get it.

The most common question i'm asked is whether the flu vaccine can give you the

flu? The answer is no. The flu vaccine cannot

give you the flu. Some persons may experience a low-grade

fever or soreness where they get a shot, but those are passing and far less

severe than getting the flu itself. Another common concern is about egg

allergy. For the past few years we have offered a vaccine that doesn't contain

egg proteins and is safe for those allergic to egg products.

Starting in September you can get the flu vaccine at local pharmacies or by

visiting health clinics. In addition this year drive up flu

vaccine sites will be available at UC San Diego Health.

Go to MyUCSDChart or health.ucsd.edu for more information.

Please talk with your doctor if you still have concerns about the flu

vaccine or the upcoming flu season. We are committed to helping protect you

and your family from both the flu and COVID-19.

So please get vaccinated soon and remember to wash your hands

regularly with soap and water, wear a mask

and practice physical distancing when appropriate.

Why is the flu important