Who Should Not Be Vaccinated With The Nasal
- People less than 2 years of age
- People 50 years of age and over
- People with a medical condition that places them at high risk for complications from influenza, including those with chronic heart or lung disease, such as asthma or reactive airways disease people with medical conditions such as diabetes or kidney failure or people with illnesses that weaken the immune system, or who take medications that can weaken the immune system.
- Children < 5 years old with a history of recurrent wheezing
- Children or adolescents receiving aspirin
- People with a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare disorder of the nervous system
- Pregnant women
- People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs or who are allergic to any of the nasal spray vaccine components.
Should I Get The Flu Shot Every Year
The short answer to that question is that yes, you do need a flu shot every year. The reason why is that each year the expected cases of flu types change. There are around 50 different types of flu virus and each causes different types of flu. The flu shot you received last year was for the types of flu that health experts expected to reach epidemic levels that year. So the flu shot that is available this year is for a different set of flu viruses.
Can I Catch The Flu And Covid At The Same Time
Yes. The flu, Covid-19 and other respiratory illnesses have similar symptoms, including cough, fever and body aches. Only testing can identify which virus a patient has, or if a patient has both.
Different tests are used for each, and identifying the difference is essential to treatment. Antiviral treatments exist for influenza, and some patients with Covid-19 receive monoclonal antibody treatment.
Doctors are going to have to do a whole lot more testing this year than in the past, Dr. Schaffner said. It is important to know who has got what.
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How Serious Is The Threat Of A Twindemic
Medical experts dont know. Some hope that the measures taken against the coronavirus could also slow the spread of influenza.
Those precautions should be familiar by now: avoiding large groups, maintaining at least six feet of distance from others in public, washing your hands frequently, and wearing masks and other face coverings, especially indoors.
Dr. Schaffner said there have been some papers suggesting that very rigorous use of masks, social distancing and indeed the lockdown reduced the transmission of influenza in other countries.
But that may not be the case in the U.S., he warned. There are the real careful people who are being very attentive, he said, and then there are lots of people, unfortunately, in this country who are being rather careless and carefree.
This inconsistent behavior makes it hard to predict anything about the flu season.
But Dr. Ikediobi said that places with a good track record of following coronavirus precautions could have fewer cases of influenza. This is just a prediction.
Should I Still Get A Flu Vaccine Even Though We Practice Physical Distancing
Yes, you can safely get the flu vaccine. Flu vaccines may also be available at your health care providers office, your local department of health, or even pharmacies. The CDC has issued pandemic guidance for vaccines to health care professionals, so you can ask your health care provider if they are administering vaccines with that guidance.
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Other Conditions Gohealth Urgent Care Treats
Not only do we offer flu shots at our urgent care centers, but we can also help you if you do get the flu or another respiratory illness. Our services include:
- Allergy management
- COVID-19 testing and treatment of mild and moderate symptoms
- Diagnosis and treatment of all respiratory illnesses
- Sore or strep throat treatment
Just walk in, save your spot online or schedule a Virtual Visit with one of our providers.
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People should ideally get their flu shots by the end of October but the vaccine continues to be offered as long as the illness is circulating and vaccines are available. The CDC also reiterates that it is still worthwhile to get the vaccine after October.
Children who require two doses of the vaccine should start the process sooner rather than later because the two doses need to be given at least four weeks apart, the CDC says. Children under six months are too young to get the flu shot.
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Where To Get A Free Flu Shot In Nyc In 2021
While the flu vaccine does not protect you against getting COVID-19, it is possible to get the flu and COVID-19 at the same time. Therefore, reduce your risk of getting the flu and the spread of coronavirus by getting the flu vaccine this flu season. It’s especially imperative for pregnant women to get a flu vaccine.
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Can The Flu Vaccine Protect Me Against Coronavirus Am I More Likely To Get Coronavirus If I Get The Flu Vaccine
No, the flu vaccine will only reduce the risk of getting sick from the flu or reducing the severity of the flu if you do get it. The flu vaccine will also not increase the risk of getting COVID-19. And, as more people get the flu vaccine, the potential burden on health resources is lessened which allows for health care services to be reserved for other issues.
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What If I Dont Like Needles
Theres a nasal version of the flu vaccine. While past studies have found that method to be most effective for children, that guidance has changed in recent years. The nasal vaccine is now approved for people ages 2 to 49, unless they are pregnant or have certain medical conditions. And you should not get this type of treatment with a runny or congested nose, Dr. Marcelin said, because that can interfere with the delivery of the vaccine. The nasal spray is not as widely available Walgreens, for instance, does not carry it but you can request it from your doctor.
Eligibility For The No
These no out-of-pocket cost fluvaccines are available for students, faculty, and staff from:
- Morningside Campus
- Union Theological Seminary
BarnardandCUIMCaffiliates should contact their respective campuses for flu vaccine opportunities.
For those over 65 years of age, Columbia Health has a limited supply of the high-dose vaccine. Please speak to the nurse administering your vaccine if you may be eligible for the high-dose flu vaccine.
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Do I Have To Have A Shot
No, the flu vaccine is also available in a nasal spray vaccine. It is dispensed to patients who are over the age of two and under the age of 50. The nasal vaccine has the same components as the flu shot, so if you are one of the few people who react badly to vaccines than the nasal spray is not for you.
When Should I Get Vaccinated
Because antibodies build in the body and provide protection against flu two weeks after immunization, you should get a flu vaccine before flu virus start circulating in your community. Make preparations to be vaccinated before the flu season starts in autumn. The CDC recommends getting a flu shot by the end of October. Getting vaccinated early is not effective against flu infection later in the flu season, especially among elderly people.
We provide vaccination throughout the flu season. Children who require two vaccine shots should begin the process sooner rather than later, as two shots must be administered at least four weeks apart.
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Nyc Health + Hospitals Continues To Urge New Yorkers To Get Flu Vaccine Vaccines Available Throughout Public Health System
All New Yorkers over the age of 6 months are urged to get the flu vaccine to further avoid risks associated with influenza viruses and potential co-infection of COVID-19
New Yorkers can call 844-NYC-4NYC for an appointment at a clinic nearby
In observation of National Influenza Vaccination Week, NYC Health + Hospitals continues to urge New Yorkers to get a flu vaccine, which are available at more than 60 patient care sites across the five boroughs. The CDC recommends everyone age six months and older get a vaccination to protect against the flu. Protection against the flu is not fully effective for up to two weeks after getting vaccinated, so delaying vaccination may put individuals and those around them at risk of serious illness. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the flu shot is critical to get this year to help reduce the risks associated from the flu and further fight against a potential co-infection of the Coronavirus and influenza viruses. NYC Health + Hospitals is working closely with the NYS Department of Health, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and NYC Office of Emergency Management to ensure all enhanced infection control measures are taken during the 2020-2021 flu season. New Yorkers can call 844-NYC-4NYC for an appointment at a NYC Health + Hospitals facility nearby to schedule their flu shot.
How To Get Your Flu Vaccine
The Fall 2021 flu clinic at Lerner Hall Auditorium has ended.
Students must schedule an appointment with Medical Services to get your flu shot. Please call to make an appointment with a nurse at . Nursing appointments can not be self-scheduled on the Patient Portal at this time.
Faculty and staff must get their flu vaccine off campus.
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What If I Am Allergic To Eggs
Some vaccines are grown using chicken eggs, so some people with egg allergies have avoided getting the shot. Those with mild or moderate egg allergies should still get the shot, Dr. Marcelin said. If you have a severe allergy, however, you should consult your doctor, who should supervise the vaccination. There is also an egg-free vaccine available.
If you are pregnant and allergic to eggs you should consult your doctor about the best vaccine for you.
Where Should I Get The Vaccine
Rite Aid, CVS and Walgreens all have the vaccine in stock, as do other pharmacies. To find a location near you, try the Healthmap Vaccine Finder tool. In an effort to expand access, the U.S. Department of Health is also allowing pharmacists to administer the vaccine to young children. Walgreens reduced its age requirement to 4 years old from 7 years old in eligible states, while CVS pharmacists are administering the shot to kids as young as 3. You may also contact your doctor.
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How Is The Vaccine Different This Year
As always, this years shot was updated to include the influenza variants that are predicted to circulate in the United States. But there is a special vaccine for adults 65 years old and older with a higher dosage that has been updated to protect against four strains of influenza, rather than three as in previous years. A version of that high-dosage shot containing adjuvant, which boosts immune response, was also licensed.
Why Get A Flu Shot
The flu can make you feel lousy and can lead to severe complications, especially for those over 65 or with compromised immune systems.
Additionally, the flu shot protects not only you, but the people around you too. This flu season, in order to avoid missing work, school and social events, you can protect yourself today by getting the flu shot at one of our convenient locations.
The flu shot is safe to receive after or at the same time that you receive your COVID-19 vaccination.
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Whats The Difference Between Flu And Coronavirus
Both the flu virus and coronavirus are causes of contagious upper respiratory illnesses. The flu and COVID-19 have similar symptoms, which can include fever, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, feeling tired, and headache. The severity of symptoms can vary, and those with the flu or a mild case of COVID-19 may be able to recuperate at home. One notable difference is that COVID-19 may also include loss of taste or smell, which is not a symptom associated with the flu. Testing may be necessary to determine which virus is causing illness. There is an antiviral treatment available for the flu, but not one widely available for COVID-19. The mortality rate for COVID-19 is also greater than that of the flu.
Are Influenza Vaccines Safe
Absolutely. Despite unfounded fears, there is no evidence of adverse effects in most people. Some people do experience mild symptoms like a sore arm, itchy eyes or fatigue after getting the flu shot, but these usually go away on their own within a few days.
Even if you are pregnant, you can and should get vaccinated. Pregnant women are one of the groups the C.D.C. says are at high risk for influenza complications.
Vaccines undergo several clinical trials, the results of which are reviewed and approved by the Food and Drug Administration before the medicine is released to the public. The vaccines continue to be monitored for safety and effectiveness, and every year the C.D.C. releases new flu vaccination guidelines.
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Your Influenza Shot Should Be Administered In A Flu Vaccine Clinic In Nyc
The influenza virus is extremely resilient and can live on a contaminated hard or non-porous surface for up to two days. The virus lives for about 5 minutes when it lands on our skin. If the virus is protected by mucus, it can survive for up to 17 days. The avian flu can live for years in ice. If you handle money during the flu season, be sure to wash your hands with soap and water often and avoid those who are ill.
If you plan on traveling, it is very important to get a vaccine against the most common strain of flu for that season. You should get your vaccines a minimum of 2 weeks before you leave New York in order to give them time to become effective. However, it is still a very good idea to be vaccinated even if you dont have two weeks until your departure date.
Can I Get The Flu Vaccine And The Covid Vaccine In The Same Visit
Yes. The C.D.C. says the vaccine maybe administered without regard to the timing of other vaccines.
Side effects are generally similar when the vaccines are given simultaneously as when they are administered alone, the C.D.C. says.
Dr. Kevin Ban, the chief medical officer at Walgreens, said, Not only is it possible, but we highly encourage people to be vaccinated for both flu and Covid.
Vaccines received at the same time do not cause cumulative reactions, Dr. L.J. Tan, Immunization Action Coalitions Chief Policy and Partnerships Officer, said in an interview. It is not like you are adding it on.
Common reactions to the flu vaccine can be a sore arm, and some people might get a little tired, he said.
If you do get the flu shot and the Covid-19 vaccine at the same time, experts advise using different arms to avoid soreness, or at least spacing the injection site for each shot by at least one inch.
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Fort Greene Health Center
- Address: 295 Flatbush Avenue Extension, Fifth Floor Brooklyn
- Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Public Transportation Directions: Take the A, C, or F trains to Jay Street, the 2,3,4 or 5 trains to Nevins Street, the R, Q, or B trains to DeKalb Avenue, or the A, C, or G trains to Hoyt – Schermerhorn.
Be sure to bring your vaccination record and insurance information with you to the clinic.
Students Requesting A Medical Or Religious Exemption
Columbia University is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive experience for all students and recognizes medical contraindications to vaccination as well as student observance of their faith as it pertains to the practice of immunization.
To request a medical or religious exemption, please complete the appropriate request form , read the Flu Vaccine Information Statement, attach all supplemental materials, and upload all documents to the Columbia Health Patient Portal.
Exemption requests will not be considered if incomplete documentation is submitted. Each complete request is carefully reviewed and a determination is made based on the information submitted. All requests are considered but approval is not guaranteed. Please note that all exemptions are temporary and must be renewed as noted in the instructions.
Please allow 7-10 business days for requests to be processed. Upon review, you will be notified in writing whether an exemption has been granted.
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Getting A Flu Vaccine Has Many Benefits
- The flu vaccine can keep you from getting the flu.
- The flu vaccine can help make your illness less severe if you do get sick with the flu.
- The flu vaccine can reduce the risk of being hospitalized with the flu for children and adults.
- Learn more about why its so important for pregnant women to get a flu shot during pregnancy.The flu vaccine protects pregnant women during and after pregnancy from flu complications. It also protects their newborn children for several months after birth.
- The flu vaccine reduces the risk of a heart attack in people with heart disease.
- The flu vaccine can reduce the risk of a child dying from the flu.
- The flu vaccine can reduce the risk of adults dying from the flu.
- Getting a flu vaccine can also help protect the people around you from getting the flu, especially people at high risk for serious complications from the flu.
- Getting a flu vaccine this fall is more important than ever to reduce your risk of flu and help ease the burden on a health care system likely to be dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
- For more information see the fact sheet: Why Get a Flu Vaccine