ALLYSON
FAVUZZA, CRNP
Director of Youth Services
The Wright Center
www.thewrightcenter.org
As we enter the colorful transition
from summer to fall, many of us are
excited about the abundance of
pumpkin-themed food items and
the opportunities for hayrides and
oversized sweaters. With all the
goodness autumn brings, it’s easy to
overlook the fact that along with the
change in seasons comes the onset of
flu season.
The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) recommend a flu
vaccine for individuals six months
and older, as well as for
pregnant women, by
the end of October. Flu
vaccines are offered in
many locations, including
doctor’s offices, clinics,
health departments,
pharmacies and even in
many schools or on-
site through employer
wellness initiatives.
As a healthcare provider,
I typically encourage
patients to get the
vaccine at the doctor’s office because
the vaccination will be properly
documented in their healthcare
files. Although getting a flu shot at a
pharmacy is certainly convenient, the
records of the vaccination are very
rarely communicated to family doctors.
That being said, getting a flu shot in
any location is much better than not
getting a flu shot at all, and primary
care doctors’ offices can be notified so
that health records can be kept up-to-
date.
Many people don’t realize it takes
about two weeks for the vaccine to
integrate into our immune systems to
provide appropriate protection, so I
encourage vaccinations in late August
or early September. It’s important to
note that the flu shot is not a silver
bullet to prevent against getting sick
each year. Simple habits, like proper
hand hygiene and coughing/sneezing
into a tissue will help prevent the
spread of the flu and other illnesses.
Remember, going to work or school if
you aren’t feeling well doesn’t benefit
anyone. Stay home, rest, hydrate
and allow time to get better before
returning to everyday interactions with
others.
Finally, the cost of the flu shot is fully
covered under all insurances when
given by in-network providers. The flu
vaccine is a vital measure to help us
really enjoy the beauty of fall and the
jubilance of the holidays by staying
happy, healthy and flu-free.
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