Put yourself and your health first
After everything that's happened the past year, we could all use some time to focus on ourselves and our well-being. That's why we're instituting #FluShotFridays! They're the perfect chance to get the flu shot, and they can also give us a little extra "me" time. Talk about a win-win!
Why It’s Important
We did our part last year to fight against the flu, and it's time we do it again. Getting the flu shot can help:
SLOW THE SPREAD OF THE FLU
Since 2010, there have been between 9–45 million cases of the flu during a typical flu season in the U.S. Flu shots are the best way to help protect against getting the flu virus.
HELP PROTECT LOVED ONES
A flu shot can help lower your chance of spreading the flu to your friends and family, which is especially important for people who are at an increased risk.
HELP PREVENT OTHER COMPLICATIONS
Flu shots can help prevent serious flu-related complications, like cardiovascular events, pneumonia and hospitalizations – especially for adults 50+ and those with chronic health conditions.
WHY FRIDAY
Summer Fridays are in the rearview mirror, and we could all use an excuse for some much-needed “me” time in the colder months ahead. After a stressful week, Fridays are the perfect opportunity to focus on you. But hey, you can take a Flu Shot Monday or a Flu Shot Tuesday or a Flu Shot Any Day if you prefer. We won’t judge!
Need some inspiration? Follow Jennifer Grey’s lead.
REFRESH & RELOAD WITH AN OUTDOOR DAY OF:
- Driving with the windows down & music up
- Rock climbing and hiking through the woods
- Hosting a picnic with friends
- Kicking back with an outdoor bonfire
TREAT YOURSELF AFTER YOUR FLU SHOT WITH:
- A bagel and coffee from a local coffee shop
- The classic burger, fries & shake combo
- Hitting your favorite restaurant
- A refreshing juice or smoothie
ADD SOME CULTURE & CREATIVITY TO YOUR DAY BY:
- Finally visiting that new museum exhibit
- Rocking out at an outdoor concert
- Learning the art of basket weaving
- Tasting all the foods at a food festival
REWARD YOURSELF WITH A RELAXING DAY OF:
- Face masks and spa treatments
- The ultimate rom-com marathon
- A soak in the tub with a good book
- Rejuvenating yoga & meditation
Knowing the risk
While Fridays can be the perfect day to take some time for yourself, it’s important to remember the flu is serious – millions of people catch it every year, and some people are more at risk for severe complications and potential hospitalizations. That’s why it’s especially important for certain people to get the flu shot.
50+
Asthma
Heart Disease
Diabetes
Lung Disease
50+
The flu can cause more complications with age. An estimated 77% of flu-related hospitalizations in 2018 and 2019 were for adults 50+.
Asthma
By increasing inflammation in the lungs, the flu can worsen asthma symptoms, trigger asthma attacks and increase risk for developing pneumonia.
Heart Disease
According to a 10 year study of 1,227 adults aged 40+ found that a first heart attack is approximately 10 times more likely following a flu infection. The 10 year study also examined 762 adults aged 40+ and showed an approximately 8 times increase in the likelihood of first stroke following a flu infection.
Diabetes
Even when well-managed, people with diabetes (type 1, type 2, or gestational) are at an increased risk of serious flu-related complications, which can result in hospitalization and sometimes even death.
Lung Disease
The flu can worsen symptoms for people living with lung diseases, such as COPD, asthma or cystic fibrosis, and may lead to pneumonia.
FLU DISPARITIES
It’s important to get the flu shot, especially for some people who are at higher risk. Certain racial and ethnic minority groups – including Black, Latinx and Indigenous Americans – are less likely to get flu vaccines and more likely to be hospitalized for flu-related complications.
Getting the flu vaccine can help these communities stay healthy and stay out of the hospital due to flu-related illnesses.FAQs
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GET THE FLU SHOT?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting vaccinated by the end of October. Getting vaccinated too early, like in July or August, can lead to a reduced protection against the flu later in the flu season, especially for older adults. You should avoid getting the vaccine too early unless you are concerned you won’t be able to get vaccinated later.
CAN I GET THE FLU FROM THE VACCINE?
Flu vaccines do not cause the flu. The vaccines are made with either inactive flu viruses or a single flu virus gene or protein, which do not cause the flu.
WHY DO I NEED A FLU SHOT?
On top of helping to keep you healthy so you can enjoy time to yourself and with loved ones, the flu shot is the best protection against the seasonal flu. It can help protect you, your family, your friends and your community from dealing with the burdens of the flu.
CAN YOU GET THE FLU VACCINE AND COVID-19 VACCINE AT THE SAME TIME?
According to the CDC, you can receive other vaccines, like the flu shot, at the same time as your COVID-19 vaccine – you do not need to wait!
WILL A FLU VACCINE PROTECT ME AGAINST COVID-19?
Flu vaccines do not protect against COVID-19, but they do have other benefits – like helping reduce the risk of flu-related illness, hospitalization and death.
Use Friday to look out for #1...You!
Take time for yourself, your mental and your physical
health with a Flu Shot Friday.
Need an auto-reply message to let
friends/family/co-workers/anyone & everyone know you’ll be
putting your health first? We’ve got you covered.
SHARE YOUR PERFECT DAY
What’d you do after getting your flu shot? Tag us in your favorite videos/photos/stories or use #FluShotFridays and show us!