Colorado is not messing around when it comes to the flu shot in 2020.
There are a lot of people in Colorado getting flu (Influenza) vaccines this year, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). The state reported a 52% increase in flu vaccine doses administered this year as opposed to 2019 at this time.
Heather Roth, the immunization branch chief for CDPHE, shared that as of Tuesday, October 20, there have been over 1.2 million doses of the flu vaccine given so far this year, according to data from the Colorado Immunization Information System. That system shows that last year there were 800,000 doses of flu vaccine given by this time in the state. This is a record-breaking increase in people getting vaccinated, according to Roth. Vaccines have been available since August 1, 2020.
Health officials have stressed the importance of getting a flu shot this year, and with the coronavirus pandemic and flu season intermingling, there is a lot of potential for people to get very sick. Getting a flu shot is an important step to protect yourself and others. It also will help prevent hospitals from getting overcrowded with flu patients.
The numbers show that people are taking the advice of experts and getting vaccinated for the flu. There has been an increase of flu shots administered nationwide—again, good news, as we are in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic. The supply of the vaccine is good, and it is recommended that people get the flu shot by the end of October. Everyone six months of age and older should get a flu shot each year. Most people who get the flu vaccine do not have any side effects.
The flu can cause a mild to severe illness, is contagious, and in some cases, it can cause death. Coronavirus symptoms and flu symptoms can be similar, flu symptoms generally come on suddenly. Fever, chills, sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose, body and muscle aches, headache, fatigue, and vomiting and diarrhea are all symptoms of influenza. Please get in touch with your doctor if you think you may have the flu.
There are several options to get flu shots in Colorado, most insurance providers offer it at no cost to members, and free options are available for those who do not have medical insurance. Learn more about where flu shots are available in your area at fluvaxcolorado.org.
If you have not gotten your flu shot yet, now is the time to get it. Please share any resources you know for free flu shots in Colorado with us in the comments.
