September 14, 2021–7:37 p.m.

STAFF REPORTS

As we head into fall, now is a good time to start thinking about getting a flu shot in addition to the COVID-19 vaccine.

Dr. Gary Voccio, health director for the Georgia Department of Public Health’s Northwest District said influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are different.

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently updated their recommendations and you can get both at the same time,” he said.  “They do not fight against each other, and they do not negate each other.  Your response will be equal to the task unless you are immune-compromised, and that’s a whole different story.  You can get both.  We have not had a significant amount of flu around the world so far this year,”

We didn’t have much of a flu season last year.

“I suspect that may have been because people were physically distancing wearing masks, and washing their hands.  All the non-pharmaceutical interventions really helped.  This year, we hope to have the same.”

If you have any questions about the flu shot or the COVID-19 vaccine, speak to your healthcare provider.