Published

October 30, 2020

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Why do healthy people need the flu vaccine?

On a recent episode of Path Forward, Dr. Eric Christopher Cioe-Pena of Northwell Health explained that even for young, healthy people, it is still critical to get a flu shot.

It is true that younger people are less likely to experience life-threatening complications from the flu. But as Dr. Cioe-Pena points out, getting a flu shot is not just about protecting yourself, it’s about protecting the vulnerable people around you, including infants, pregnant women, and the elderly, who may suffer severe and potentially life-threatening complications from the illness.

What’s more, as the COVID-19 pandemic collides with cold and flu season, it is even more important for everyone to get their flu vaccine. Because it is so difficult to tell the difference between symptoms of flu and COVID-19, this year’s flu season could have a major impact on whether businesses and schools are able to stay open in addition to stressing the health care system.

The bottom-line: Get a flu shot today to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community.

Click here to find vaccination sites near you.