CVS Suggests That You Get Your Flu Shot Now

It’s that time of year again: Flu shot season! While you may not share our enthusiasm for the needle, please do everyone a favor and get the flu shot ASAP. Your fellow office workers, MBTA riders, and roommates will thank you.

According to the CDC, during the 2013-2014 flu season, flu outbreaks started as early as mid-November and peaked at the end of December. But this season, the CDC reported that the dreaded flu virus is infecting people much earlier. In fact, the outbreaks have already begun. Areas in New England, particularly in New Hampshire, have already started reporting flu outbreaks.

CVS Pharmacy conducted a recent flu vaccine study in which they found that two in five U.S. adults wait until October to get their flu vaccine even though it has maximum efficiency if given in August or September. It’s advised that people get the flu shot earlier in the flu seasons rather than later because once the vaccine is administered, it takes as long as two weeks for the antibodies to develop in the body that protect against the influenza virus infection.

According to representatives for CVS Health, the study also found that:

– More than two-thirds, or 67 percent, of employed U.S. adults report to work even when they feel ill with flu-like symptoms; 35 percent do so to not use up a paid time off (PTO) day

– Nearly half, 46 percent, are not aware that flu vaccinations are fully covered under the Affordable Care Act, available at no cost through most insurance plans.

–  Of note, seniors are most at risk this flu season – but the study found nearly half, 45 percent, of U.S. adults 65 and older are not aware of the CDC’s recommendation for people in their age group to get immunized with a high-dose flu vaccine to create a stronger immune response.

Moral of the story? Go get your flu shot.