CDC Releases FAQs for 2021-2022 Flu Season

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have published a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) for the 2021-2022 flu season. From getting the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time to dealing with pain after a flu shot, here are some highlights of what the CDC wants the public to know:

The Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines Can Be Administered in the Same Visit

The CDC indicates that individuals can receive a flu shot and a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time. It recommends that individuals get their currently-recommended dose of the COVID-19 vaccine “as soon as [they] can,” and it recommends getting vaccinated against the flu “by the end of October.”

The CDC Recommends an Annual Flu Shot for Most People Six Months of Age and Older

According to the CDC, “[a]nnual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months and older, with few exceptions.” Possible exceptions include individuals with severe allergies to ingredients of the flu vaccine, individuals who have egg allergies, and individuals who have previously been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS). Anyone who has questions about whether they should get the flu shot should consult with their health care provider.

The CDC is Warning of an “Early and Possibly Severe Flu Season”

While the 2020-2021 flu season was one of the safest on record, the CDC notes that this could lead to an increased risk of infection over the coming winter. As the CDC explains, “[r]educed population immunity due to lack of flu virus activity since March 2020 could result in an early and possibly severe flu season.”

There is No Reason to Wait to Get a Flu Shot

The CDC is encouraging everyone to get the flu shot (or talk to their doctor about getting the flu shot) as soon as possible. Even if local flu activity is currently low, the flu virus can spread quickly, and it takes the body approximately 14 days to develop protective antibodies following immunization.

Flu Vaccination Rates are Currently Below 2020 Rates (Which Were Already Low)

The CDC publishes weekly updates on flu vaccination rates in the United States. Vaccination rates are currently quite low – even below 2020 levels – and this increases the risk of spread. As of mid-October:

• Child flu vaccine coverage is estimated at 21.9 percent, which is below the coverage rate of 28.3 percent at the same point in 2020.
• Pharmacies have administered 11.5 million flu shots to adults, which is below the 17.4 million flu shots administered to adults by the same point last year.

Severe Pain May Be a Sign of a Flu Shot Injury

While mild soreness after a flu shot generally is not a concern according to the CDC, severe pain may be a sign of a flu shot injury. Flu vaccines can cause potentially-serious medical conditions in rare cases, and shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) are a potential concern as well.

Pain After a Flu Shot? Speak with a Vaccine Lawyer for Free

Our firm represents individuals and families nationwide in flu shot injury cases under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a flu shot-related illness or injury, we invite you to call 202-800-1711 or contact us online to arrange a free initial consultation.

Leah Durant Bio

Experienced litigation attorney Leah Durant focuses on representing clients in complex vaccine litigation matters. Leah Durant is the owner and principal attorney of the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, a litigation firm based in Washington, DC. Leah Durant and her staff represent clients and their families who suffer from vaccine-related injuries, adverse vaccine reactions and vaccine-related deaths. The Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC is dedicated to assisting individuals in recovering the highest level of compensation as quickly and efficiently as possible. To learn more, contact vaccine attorney Leah Durant today.