December 22nd, 2021
If your college student hasn’t received a flu vaccine yet, there won’t be a better time than winter break to run them to their doctor’s office, pharmacy, or vaccine clinic to get one, urges pediatrician Flor Muñoz, M.D.:
You may have heard of recent flu outbreaks on college campuses. Flu viruses are known to spread quickly among college students and teens. Group social activities, crowded classrooms and shared living spaces make it easier for the flu to be passed around to others.
If you are a college student or the parent of a college student or teen, be sure that they get their flu vaccine as soon as possible.
With the more contagious SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant quickly overtaking Delta’s dominance in the U.S., and influenza cases beginning to rise, there is no more time to waste to protect all young adults against two viruses that are dangerous to them and the people they come in contact with:
Don’t wait. It is not possible to know when flu season will get into full swing. Also, it takes a couple of weeks to develop full protection after vaccination. That’s why it is best to be fully vaccinated before the season starts. Flu vaccination is the best way to prevent flu from spreading, which is why their best bet is to get the flu shot before traveling. Most college health clinics offer influenza vaccine for students.
For college students, a flu vaccine and a COVID-19 vaccine are recommended this season. You can receive a flu shot and a COVID-19 shot at the same visit.
COVID-19 vaccination will not protect against flu. All eligible teens and college students are encouraged to get the COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine. Both vaccines are recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, and they can be given at the same time safely.
Remember: For COVID-19, a booster dose is required 6 months after the second mRNA dose or 2 months after the J&J to be fully protected and keep Omicron at bay. For the influenza vaccine, only one shot is needed for anyone 9 years old and up.
Please don’t delay. Kids appreciate the significance of being healthy and staying that way. Most parents do too.
