If you or someone you know may be considering suicide or need help, call 988 or message the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.
COVID vaccines (and flu vaccines, for that matter) will remain free for most people with private or public health insurance as long as you go to an in-network provider to get the shot. Uninsured people will need to seek out free doses at community health centers or wait for more information from vaccine manufacturers and the government, who are likely to offer free vaccines this year through a “bridge program.” Out of pocket, the vaccine could cost hundreds of dollars, but we don’t expect that anyone will have to pay full price (or hopefully at all) this year if they’re willing to wait a bit or go to a different location for their shot.
Source: NY Times
Yes, it’s safe to get COVID and flu vaccines together. Some good news is that recent studies show that flu and COVID shots are just as effective when given together, so not only are they safe, but they work well, too. It’s also safe to get the RSV vaccine (for older adults) and flu vaccines at the same time. RSV and COVID haven’t yet been tested together since they’re both too new to have those results back. If you’re low on time, it’s best to do whatever it takes to get the shots you need - COVID and flu for almost everyone, and RSV for those over 60. If you are definitely going to get each shot no matter what, you may choose to time them more carefully to maximize coverage. We recommend discussing it with your primary care doctor if you can!
We base our predictions for the upcoming flu season on the one that took place in the Southern Hemisphere, during our summer and their winter. This year, their flu shot, which is very similar to ours, prevented over half of hospitalizations from the flu. That means we can expect a similar level of protection. Their flu season peaked a little earlier than normal, which may or may not happen here but is something to look out for. Last year’s US flu season also started early, increasing from the beginning of October and peaking in early December. The CDC (and the team here at ZHH!) recommends getting your flu shot by Halloween to slash your chances of serious illness from the flu.
.svg){kind=small}
