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.