KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Flu shots will soon be available to protect families, communities and everyone from getting sick during flu season.
Usually, they are available by the end of August or the beginning of September. Health care workers also said that flu shots are expected to protect people through the fall and into the following summer too.
Spanish Version: Vacunas contra la gripe estarán disponibles pronto y los expertos en salud instan a las personas a vacunarse
They are available for everyone, but health experts especially urge elderly people to get a higher dose vaccine to make sure they are protected. They also said people can get the flu vaccine at the same time they get the COVID-19 vaccine.
"We're definitely going to encourage that when we're giving flu vaccines, ask people if they've not had the COVID-19 vaccine. That's the perfect opportunity to get both of those on that day," said Nikki Womble, a family nurse practitioner. "Initially, there were some questions about whether or not it was safe but the CDC said it is definitely okay to give those out at the same time."
Experts also said that September and October are the best times to get a flu shot before the number of flu cases rises in a community. They also said that the flu vaccine is the best way to prevent having to be hospitalized due to the flu.