This fall, Americans are facing a double-whammy when it comes to their health: an unpredictable flu season coupled with the continuing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Vanderbilt Health experts are here to help with answers to questions about influenza as well as advice on why a flu shot is your best means of protection.
“There will be a duel season—a ‘twindemic,’ someone called it,” said infectious disease expert William Schaffner, M.D., a professor of Preventive Medicine at VUMC. “Therefore, it’s more important than ever that we all get ourselves vaccinated against influenza.”
Encourage your employees to take this important step for their overall health by sharing the following stories from MySouthernHealth and the VUMC Reporter:
- Dr. Schaffner dispels some of the myths surrounding the flu shot and explains what’s different this year, which he dubs a “double-barrel season.” Dr. Schaffner also filmed a brief video about why the flu vaccine can’t be missed.
- Vanderbilt pediatric nurse practitioner Pam Bush answers parents’ questions on how and why to get a flu shot for their children.
- Thomas Talbot, MD, MPH, professor of Medicine and chief hospital epidemiologist at VUMC, gave a Q&A about how the U.S. flu season might be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- And don’t miss a recent Vanderbilt Health DNA podcast episode, in which VUMC vaccine experts weigh in on they think lead to vaccine hesitancy and why it’s increasingly vital to buoy people’s understanding of the science.