CDC Officials Say Americans Receiving The Flu Vaccine This Year Is More Important Than Ever

With health officials are wary of a second wave of COVID-19 hitting during flu season, there is a possibility of strain on hospital resources.

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(Washington, D.C.) – The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officials are stressing the importance for Americans to get the flu vaccine this year.

While the flu vaccine will not protect from the COVID-19 virus, there are many benefits to protecting yourself from all possible infectious viruses.

From October 1, 2019, through April 4, 2020, an estimated 56 million flu cases, 740,000 hospitalizations, and up to 62,000 deaths were reported. Until there is a COVID-19 vaccine, it is crucial that Americans prepare themselves.

"Getting a flu vaccine will be more important than ever as flu and COVID-19-19 could be circulating together as we move into the fall and winter months," says CDC Deputy Director for Infectious Diseases Jay Butler.

With health officials are wary of a second wave of COVID-19 hitting during flu season, there is a possibility of strain on hospital resources.

A boost in Americans receiving their flu shot could ease the strain on hospitals across the country.

Currently, less than half of Americans get the flu vaccine each year, however, there are hopes that the pandemic will push more people to take advantage of the vaccine this year.

The CDC recommends getting the flu vaccine as early as September and October.

For more information on the flu season visit, www.cdc.gov/flu/season.