By Paul Oestreicher, PhD
We’re at the start of the fall season, which means we’re also at the start of flu season. And with the ongoing health concerns about COVID-19, now is the perfect time to ensure you and your family are protected by getting vaccinated. Vaccines don’t just safeguard your own health—they help protect everyone around you, especially those who are most vulnerable.
Protecting Public Health
When more people get vaccinated, the overall spread of disease is reduced, especially for those who can’t get vaccinated themselves, such as newborns, individuals with weakened immune systems, or those with severe allergies to vaccine components. By getting vaccinated, you help protect those more susceptible to severe illness or complications.
According to the CDC, the flu season in 2022-2023 led to more than 290,000 hospitalizations and 19,000 deaths in the U.S. alone. COVID-19 continues to cause serious illness and deaths worldwide, with spikes often occurring in colder months. Getting vaccinated helps reduce strain on hospitals and ensures that healthcare systems can continue caring for those who need it most.
Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy
Despite the clear benefits, some people remain hesitant about vaccines. Concerns about side effects, vaccine ingredients, or personal beliefs can lead to people delaying or avoiding vaccination. It’s important to acknowledge these concerns but also to understand the overwhelming medical evidence that supports the safety and effectiveness of vaccines.
Vaccines have an incredibly successful safety record, with millions of doses safely administered each year. Serious side effects are extremely rare, and the benefits far outweigh the risks. Vaccines undergo rigorous testing before they are approved, and continuous monitoring ensures that any potential issues are quickly identified and addressed. It’s also worth noting that flu vaccines have been in use for decades, and the COVID-19 vaccines, though newer, have been thoroughly studied and continue to protect hundreds of millions of people worldwide.
Listen to the Experts
The medical and scientific communities are unanimous in their recommendations: Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to prevent illness and death from infectious diseases. Trusting experts who have dedicated their lives to studying these diseases is crucial. The data shows that vaccines save lives, reduce the severity of illness, and are vital to ending outbreaks and pandemics.
Special Considerations
Certain groups should pay special attention to vaccine timing:
- Pregnant women: Pregnant women should get vaccinated against flu as soon as possible, especially if they’re in the third trimester, to protect their newborns from the flu after birth.
- Children: Parents should ensure their children receive their flu shots promptly. Children needing two doses should start the process early to build immunity before flu season peaks.
Plan Now, Protect Later
Alicia Budd, MPH, a CDC epidemiologist, emphasizes, “Your best bet for protection during flu season is to get vaccinated in October. Delaying your shot could leave you vulnerable at the worst possible time.”
CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen stresses that getting both flu and COVID-19 vaccines is critical: “Our top recommendation for protecting yourself and your loved ones from respiratory illness is to get vaccinated. It’s an act of both personal and public health responsibility.”
Make your plan today. By getting vaccinated, you’re not just protecting yourself—you’re helping to protect your family, your community, and those most vulnerable to severe illness. Vaccines are safe, effective, and the key to staying healthy this fall and winter.
For more information, visit the CDC’s Seasonal Flu Vaccines and COVID-19 Vaccination pages. Stay safe, stay informed, and stay protected.
