City of St. Louis Department of Health Encourages Residents to Get Their Annual Flu Vaccination

Everyone, older than 6 months of age, with some limited exceptions, should receive an annual flu vaccine.

September 14, 2020 | 2 min reading time

This article is 4 years old. It was published on September 14, 2020.

Although flu lingers in the United States all year long, the annual flu season arrives in late fall and runs through late spring. Most individuals who become ill with the flu recover without serious complications, but some who contract the flu experience serious illnesses, hospitalization, and even die.  

The best way to help protect yourself, your family, and the community from the flu is to get your annual flu vaccination. The flu vaccine will not provide protection for COVID-19. However, the City of St. Louis Department of Health is alerting St. Louis residents that is crucial that they get the flu vaccine.

 “As response efforts for COVID-19 continue it is critical to get a flu vaccine, not only to protect yourself and others but to help reduce the strain on hospital systems and healthcare workers responding to the pandemic, says Dr. Fredrick Echols, acting director of health for the City of St. Louis.

The City of St. Louis Department of Health is encouraging everyone to talk with their healthcare provider now about getting a flu vaccine. Everyone, older than 6 months of age, with some limited exceptions, should receive an annual flu vaccine. Your healthcare provider can tell you if you fit into one of the limited exceptions and would be at risk for a serious adverse reaction from the vaccine. Parents and guardians are reminded that children 6 months to 8 years of age who have not received 2 doses of flu vaccine before July 1, 2020 will require 2 doses of the vaccine  (1 dose given during two appointments at least 4 weeks apart). 

Dr. Echols said it’s important that you consult your healthcare provider about getting the flu vaccine if you have an allergy to eggs or any of the other ingredients in the vaccine or if you have had Guillain-Barré Syndrome. He also advises individuals to make sure to inform the person administering their vaccination if they are not feeling well and let them know what symptoms are being experienced                                                                     

The City of St. Louis Department of Health will partner with some Federally Qualified Health Centers to increase access points for City residents to get the flu vaccine. To learn more about this year’s vaccine and locations in the City of St. Louis to get a vaccine visit Influenza (flu) Vaccination Information.

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