Alabama’s healthcare community is doing double duty when it comes to talking about vaccinations. The State still ranks low nationally for residents getting their COVID-19 shots. But now, flu season is approaching and Alabamians are being urged to roll up their sleeves for that vaccine as well. Doctor Molly Fleece studies infectious diseases at UAB. She says COVID-19 helped keep flu cases lower in Alabama last. Doctor Fleece is concerned that may not happen this year…
“Last year, we certainly were battling COVID,” Fleece recalled. “Because of the few measures in place, like more people staying and working at home, more mask mandates, we did see less circulating flu.”
Doctor Fleece says more people are returning to work and fewer are wearing masks. That raises the concern about infections of both COVID-19 and this year’s strain of influenza. The healthcare community points out that both vaccines are considered safe and effective. Doctor Fleece says the time is plan on getting a flu shot is now.
“The flu vaccine is available now,” said Fleece. “And ideally, everyone should get their vaccine by the end of October. But, certainly anytime this fall or winter if you change your mind, go ahead and get the flu vaccine in addition to the COVID vaccine.”
Alabama still ranks near the bottom in the nation for COVID vaccinations. State health officials says Alabama lead the nation in coronavirus deaths the week before last. Data from Johns Hopkins shows Alabama, Texas, and Georgia recently accounted for one of all of the coronavirus deaths in the U.S.
