While many of us may not be eligible for the COVID-19 booster shots yet, we are all eligible for another pandemic-preventing vaccine: the flu shot. Despite there being widespread availability, and no-cost flu vaccines, only half of eligible Americans will get the jab each year. In an effort to increase flu vaccines, Hamilton College brings nurses to campus each year to provide free flu shots to both students and staff. As we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, it is vital now more than ever to receive your annual flu shot! This quick stick is free and can be squeezed in between your 10:30 a.m. class in the Science Center and your walk to Commons. It takes less than 10 minutes, but it is key to preventing a “twindemic” this winter.
A “twindemic” is a term used to describe the dreaded possibility of COVID combining with influenza and spreading rampantly amongst our population. These types of viruses tend to increase during the winter when people are forced indoors by the weather conditions, which increases the risks of both COVID-19 and influenza cases rising during this time and of individuals contracting a co-infection of the two viruses. This dangerous combination has been shown to greatly increase a patient’s chance of fatality, and that research was done even before the virulent Delta variant arrived. Experts worry that another mild strain of influenza could cause havoc within already strained hospitals.
Last year, public health officials pleaded with the public to get their flu shot. This plea almost doubled the rates of those vaccinated against influenza. These record numbers, paired with vigilant mask-wearing, lockdown and a weak influenza strain led to a relatively uneventful flu season. However, as we go into the 2021 flu season, vaccinated Americans have been granted permission to shed their masks. Masklessness, potentially low numbers of flu vaccines and the similarity of symptoms between COVID-19 and the flu will create the perfect storm for a COVID and flu “twindemic.” Additionally, since flu numbers were so low last year, Americans are likely to have low natural immunity this year. In addition, many schools and offices are reopening this winter, which provides newfound opportunities for COVID-19 and influenza to spread indoors amongst unmasked Americans. Finally, the Delta variant, a more powerful and contagious version of COVID-19, has become the predominant strain in the United States this year. All of these factors lead to a perfect setting for a twindemic.
Just as with COVID-19 vaccines, flu vaccines do not entirely prevent the possibility of contracting influenza, but they do prevent the onset of severe illness and death. Each year, experts reconfigure the vaccine to match what they believe will be the common strain. If and when they succeed, transmission and morbidity decrease significantly.
Additionally, vulnerable populations such as elderly faculty or immunocompromised students will be safer if those around them have been vaccinated. Getting the vaccine protects those around you on campus who are more susceptible to severe illness and hospitalization.
We must do our part to continue wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces and to commit to receiving the flu vaccine this year. Experts recommend getting the flu vaccine between Sept. and Nov., but even getting it after that time period is better than not getting it at all. Hamilton students can get their flu vaccine for free at the CVS Pharmacy in Clinton, the Kinney Drugs pharmacy in Clinton, the Walgreens in New Hartford or at another upcoming on-campus vaccination site. Students can also receive a flu shot through the Hamilton College Health Center, though they will incur a charge of $30.
Many Americans, including Hamilton students, have started to loosen social distancing and masking habits. There is no better time to reverse those habits than this winter. With less opportunities to be outside, students should be masking at all times to stop the spread of both COVID-19 and influenza, because an outbreak of either could be detrimental to a small, isolated, residential community like Hamilton with limited access to healthcare resources.
By no means am I trying to suggest that we forgo socialization during the dreary winter months, but we must take the steps we can to keep our community safe, and one of the easiest ways to do so is to get your free flu shot.
