Doctors encourage people to roll up their sleeve for National Flu Vaccination Week

SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - The week of Dec. 6 is National Influenza Vaccination Week. Doctors are urging everyone to take precautions as we enter the early months of flu season.

Both the flu and COVID-19 can be spread through close contact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Doctors say the best way to protect yourself from both illnesses is by getting vaccinated if you can.

“It is very important for folks to get vaccinated against flu and COVID so that we can, number one, prevent illness and death in the community and keep folks out of the hospital. And number two, reduce the transmission of these to other people who may not be able to be vaccinated,” said Dr. John Vanchiere, infectious disease specialist at LSU Health Shreveport.

Doctors say they usually see flu cases increase during the winter months.

If you recall last year we saw very little flu to a large extent we were wearing masks last winter but we saw a lot of COVID-19 last winter as well. And we want to try our best to avoid a repeat of the terrible time our country had last winter with COVID-19 and now with flu circulating as well,” said Vanchiere.

Vanchiere explained the number of cases in the area right now.

“Locally we are seeing some flu activity, they’re not widespread but they are increasing as expected would be the case this Thanksgiving,” he added.

Doctors said it’s okay to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu at the same time.

“Either primary vaccine or the booster, either one is fine to get with your flu vaccine. Get one in each arm and there is no interference with each other,” said Vanchiere.

Click here for more information from the CDC about the flu.

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