This post is in partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
I don’t know about you, but I sure am excited to look forward to a new year! As much as it feels good to set some new goals and get reorganized, it’s also crucial to know that the pandemic is still happening, and staying healthy during this season should be a top priority. And now that we’re in the winter months, the same is true in the face of the flu. Our healthcare system is already stressed so taking precautions like getting the flu shot this season can really make a difference.
I have always been a huge advocate for getting a flu shot each year and now feel it’s more important than ever to get one amid the COVID-19 pandemic. So let’s get into some of the most rewarding benefits to getting your flu shot this season, aside from it preventing the flu.
5 rewarding benefits to getting the flu shot
- It helps to keep you out of the hospital.
Flu shots have been shown to reduce the risk of having to go to the doctor due to the flu by 40-60%. And in recent years, flu shots have reduced the risk of flu hospitalizations among adults by about 40%! (source) - If you get sick with the flu, a flu shot will reduce its severity.
A 2017 study showed that flu vaccination reduced deaths, ICU admissions, ICU length of stay, and overall duration of hospitalization among hospitalized flu patients. (source) - Flu shots can save children’s lives.
Flu vaccination significantly reduces a child’s risk of dying from the flu. (source) - Flu shots help to protect women during and after pregnancy!
Vaccination reduces the risk of flu-associated acute respiratory infection in pregnant women by up to one-half. (source)
A 2018 study showed that getting a flu shot reduced a pregnant woman’s risk of being hospitalized with flu by an average of 40%. (source)
A number of studies have shown that in addition to helping to protect pregnant women, a flu vaccine given during pregnancy helps protect the baby from flu infection for several months after birth when he or she is not old enough to be vaccinated. (source) - Flu shots help people with chronic health conditions.
Vaccination has been associated with lower rates of some cardiac events among people with heart disease, especially among those who had had a cardiac event in the past year. (source)
Vaccines are safe, effective, and help protect everyone
There truly are so many benefits to getting the flu shot, for everyone. It’s safe, effective, and helps to protect your community.
And in case you missed it, I’ve written some other informative blog posts about protecting yourself during the COVID-19 pandemic, be sure to check them out below!
Stopping COVID-19 may be as simple as picking up the phone
Why you need to be wearing a face mask in 2020
Thank you to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for sponsoring this post.
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