Central Peninsula | Fall 2021

Last year, the safety measures we took to fight COVID-19 may also have contributed to a very mild flu season. And that was a welcome dose of good news in a difficult time. But now that masks are coming off and many people are meeting up again, it’s vital for you and your family to get your flu shots this year. The flu and you The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends flu shots for almost everyone 6 months and older. Flu shots are especially important for people at high risk of getting very sick, including: ● People 65 and older. ● People with certain chronic condi- tions, such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease. ● Pregnant women. ● Young children, especially those under 2 years. ● People from racial and ethnic mi- nority groups. ● People with disabilities, especially those that affect muscle or lung func- tion or that make it difficult to cough or swallow. Most people should get their flu shot in September or October, CDC says. That’s before the flu starts spread- ing in most places. But it’s also late enough to last through the worst of the flu season. Children 6 months to 8 years old who have not had a flu shot before need two doses given at least four weeks apart. They should get an early start so they can get the second dose by the end of October. Get your COVID-19 shots too If you’ve yet to get a COVID-19 vac- cine, there are good reasons to include them in your plan too. The vaccines are safe and very good at protecting people from COVID-19. Plus, once you’re fully vaccinated, you can start doing more, like getting together with friends. CDC recommends that most people 12 and older be vaccinated against COVID-19. And it’s now OK to get other shots at the same time. So ask your provider about getting up- to-date on all the shots your family needs. Make a plan to prevent the flu and COVID-19 Your new medicine checklist Your doctor is prescribing you a new medicine. What should you do next? ■ Ask the name of the medicine. This way, you’ll notice if the pharmacy gives you something different. ■ Knowwhy you’re taking it. You’re more likely to use a medicine correctly if you know how it’s helping you. ■ Be clear on how to take it. For example, ask: • What side effects might I have? • Should I take it before, with or after meals? • Is there anything I should avoid while taking this? • What should I do if I forget a dose? ■ Make sure your doctor knows what else you’re taking. Go over a list of all the medicines you’re taking—including vitamins and herbal products. ■ Read the label—and take it only as directed. Still have questions? Follow up with your doctor or pharmacy. Never stop taking a medicine without talking with your provider first. Store medicines in a secure location. Keep them out of the reach and sight of kids, visitors and pets. Sources: BeMedWise Program; U.S. Food and Drug Administration Take with care Our annual drive-thru flu shot clinic will be offered Thursday, Oct. 14, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at the hospital. Offered free of charge to all participants 18 years of age and older, it is a simple and effective way to get your influenza vaccine. PULSE Fall 2021 3