While COVID-19 is still circulating nationwide, we’re now entering flu season. Don’t overlook the importance of getting a flu shot. COVID-19 and the Flu can knock you down. 

If you're wondering when to get the flu or COVID-19, The CDC announced that you can get both vaccines at the SAME time and ideally before the start of the 2022 flu season. Both the  flu shot and COVID-19 vaccines are not designed to protect you from everything, especially the most recent monkeypox virus outbreak in the U.S. However, they are very specific, and they’re the best protection against COVID-19 and the flu if you have both.

Luckily, AFC Urgent Care West Springfield currently offers the quadrivalent flu vaccine. We will continue to inform people about the flu, COVID-19, and monkeypox so you can be  prepared - and avoid -contracting these illnesses this 2022/2023 flu season.

Now, let’s see what’s new in the flu vaccines in 2022. 

What’s new about the 2022 flu shots and when should I get it?

The flu vaccine is made months in advance to protect against strains that may be present during flu season. As scientists and researchers plan ahead, they've made new updates to the flu vaccine to better prepare for this year's flu season. Here is the updated list from the CDC:

1. The egg-based H1N1 vaccine component was updated from an A/Brisbane/02/2018 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus to an A/Guangdong-Maonan/SWL1536/2019 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus.
2. The cell- or recombinant-based H1N1 vaccine component was updated from an A/Brisbane/02/2018 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus to an A/Hawaii/70/2019 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus.
3. The egg-based H3N2 vaccine component was updated from an A/Kansas/14/2017 (H3N2)-like virus to an A/Hong Kong/2671/2019 (H3N2)-like virus.
4. The cell- or recombinant-based H3N2 vaccine component was updated from an A/Kansas/14/2017 (H3N2)-like virus to an A/Hong Kong/45/2019 (H3N2)-like virus.
5. The B/Victoria lineage vaccine component was updated from a B/Colorado/06/2017 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus to a B/Washington/02/2019 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus.
6. The B/Yamagata lineage vaccine component was not updated.

AFC Urgent Care West Springfield provides  the quadrivalent flu vaccine. We recommend anyone over the age of 6 months get it this year. The CDC also mentions that you should get the shot  in September or October, before flu season begins.

Will the COVID-19 vaccine help protect me from the flu?

Again, both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines are designed for two very specific things:

1. Protect against COVID-19 (COVID-19 vaccine)
2. Protect against the Flu (The Flu vaccine)

Getting one over the other is not going to protect you fully. Getting both will be the best safeguard to eliminate the possibility of contracting both viruses, and spreading them to others or family relatives. We mentioned earlier that The CDC stated that you can get both vaccines at the same time. 

***Don’t make the same mistake as last year where many of you skipped out on getting the COVID booster shot and the flu shot and got sick during the holidays. This time, we want to enjoy the holidays, not cancel them.

I’m COVID And Flu Protected. But What About Monkeypox Protection?

As you’ve probably heard, there has been an outbreak of Monkeypox in the U.S. and around the world in recent months, according to the CDC. It has been reported in several states recently. Although Monkeypox (MPV) is found in many countries across Africa, the recent spike in infections has raised concerns for the well-being of our friends and families here in West Springfield and the surrounding MA area’s.

Symptoms overlap with the flu, but you’ll know if it’s Monkeypox because of the addition of rash/legions:

• Rash or Lesions (the most obvious symptom that appears after 1-3 days)
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Backaches
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Chills
• Exhaustion

It’s best to practice the same safety precautions as we do for COVID and flu, now for Monkeypox as well. This includes, self isolating if you do have monkeypox, washing your hands frequently throughout the day, and to mask up (we encourage it this winter to avoid all 3 viruses). 

You can also stay informed by checking in with The CDC guidelines, vaccine information, number of cases and where it’s spreading. For information on the latest COVID booster and the Monkey Pox vaccine centers, please visit your local pharmacy or check the Massachusetts DPH website for a link to available locations.

AFC Urgent Care West Springfield offers the quadrivalent flu vaccine 

AFC Urgent Care West Springfield is now offering the quadrivalent flu shot 7 days a week to help you protect you and your family from the flu. You can also come to any of our centers anytime. We recommend anyone ages 6 months and up (including seniors/the elderly) to get vaccinated for the flu. 

There is no appointment necessary, but we also offer appointments online to fit your schedule. We also offer COVID-19 testing to help rule out COVID during the winter flu season and we accept most insurances.