Autumn in Minnesota. Time to winterize the house, rake the leaves and pull out the sweaters and scarves.

As we soak up the last days of changing colors, it’s a good time to remember one of the most important things all of us can do for our health heading into the cold winter months − getting the flu vaccine.

“With COVID-19 cases continuing to put a strain on hospitals, a major flu outbreak could be a tipping point for the care system,” says Dr. Mark Steffen, chief medical officer at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota. “A flu shot is one of the safest, easiest and most effective ways to protect ourselves and our loved ones from potentially becoming seriously ill.”

How severe will flu season be this year?

Fortunately, last year’s flu season (2020-2021) was one of the mildest in history. While social distancing and other COVID-19 public health measures played a major role, the record low in flu-related hospitalizations was also likely related to a record high in flu vaccine distribution (nearly 194 million doses in the U.S.).

“We can’t let last year’s slowdown in flu activity lull us into a false sense of security,” adds Dr. Steffen. “This year’s flu season is already shaping up to be more significant than we would expect to see in a ‘normal’ year.”

Overall flu activity across the country is 23 percent higher than it was at this same time last year, according to the Walgreens Flu Index,

When should I get my flu vaccine?

Now. At your earliest convenience.

In general, health experts recommend getting the flu vaccine as soon as it’s available for the season at your local clinic or pharmacy.

While it’s difficult to predict when flu season will peak, the height of cases typically happens between December and February. Having your flu-fighting antibodies up and running in November gives your body the best chance to fend off a case of influenza.

In fact, the CDC recommends everyone* 6 months and older should get a flu shot by the end of October.

Keep in mind that the following populations are considered to be more vulnerable to severe illness from the flu than the general public:

• • Adults age 65 and older
  • Pregnant women
  • People living in nursing homes, long-term care or other congregate care facilities
  • Children, especially age 5 or younger (CDC recommends an annual flu shot starting at age 6 months)
  • Caregivers, especially those working with young children or older adults
  • People with underlying medical conditions, such as asthma, heart diseaseand diabetes

What if I need a COVID-19 booster?

The CDC has stated that you can receive a flu vaccine at the same time you get a COVID-19 vaccine, including a COVID-19 booster shot.

Next steps

Connect with your health care provider to schedule an appointment or use the vaccine finder tool to find a convenient location near you.

Flu vaccines are covered by Blue Cross with no out-of-pocket costs for our members.

See our flu vaccine FAQ here for more information. The CDC also has an FAQ with more information specific to the 2021-2022 flu season here.

 

 

*Not including anyone with “contraindications,” which are any medical conditions that prevent people from receiving certain medical treatments. Read more about who should and who should not get the flu vaccine here.