Why It’s Important to Get Your Flu and Pneumonia Shots During the COVID-19 Pandemic

With the ongoing pandemic, it’s understandable that people are focused on getting their COVID-19 shots. However, as public health experts stress, it’s also vital that people get vaccinated against other vaccine-preventable diseases, particularly the flu and pneumonia.

While getting vaccinated cannot prevent all cases of the flu and pneumonia, doing so lowers your risk of getting these infections. If you do get sick, there’s a higher chance of developing mild illness if you’re vaccinated. With mild flu or pneumonia, you are less likely to require hospitalization, significantly lowering your healthcare expenses and exposure to COVID-19.

The flu and pneumonia can overwork and weaken your immune system, making you more vulnerable to COVID-19. It is possible for a person to have the flu and COVID-19 at the same time. Moreover, COVID-19 often causes pneumonia. Getting vaccinated against the flu and pneumonia is clearly the smart move to protect you and your loved ones during this pandemic.

Lastly, by getting vaccinated, you are doing your part in preventing flu and pneumonia outbreaks, thereby helping ease the burden on our healthcare system and frontline health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Consult your doctor about the recommended flu and pneumonia vaccination schedules.

Shop at Watsons for prescription medications and other essential healthcare needs. Ask our pharmacist about the pneumonia vaccine available at Watsons.

References:

https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/immunization-in-the-context-of-covid-19-pandemic. Accessed 01 July 2021
https://www.empr.com/home/news/discussing-flu-and-pneumococcal-vaccines-with-patients-during-covid-19/. Accessed 01 July 2021
https://www.clinicbarcelona.org/en/news/vaccination-against-flu-and-pneumonia-during-the-covid-19-pandemic. Accessed 01 July 2021