Flu Vaccine + COVID Safety Behaviors = Less Flu
By Peter Kates

 

The prevalence of flu we are seeing in New York state is way down compared to this time last year, according to an analysis of health tracking data by Univera Healthcare. Contributing factors include the fact that there is a closer match between the genetic make-up of this year’s influenza virus and the vaccine; more adults are getting vaccinated; and people are practicing intense safety protocols to limit the spread of COVID-19.

The evidence is pretty remarkable. As of January 2, 2021, there were 2,046 laboratory-confirmed cases of flu, 357 patients hospitalized, and no pediatric deaths due to flu. In contrast, at this time last year, the state reported 32,848 laboratory confirmed cases, 5,694 hospitalizations, and one pediatric death. 

“We have a proven three-pronged approach to challenging the flu virus — a flu vaccine that’s safe, effective, and widely available; buy-in from more people to get the flu vaccine; common-sense behaviors that reduce the spread of a virus,” said Richard Vienne, D.O., Univera Healthcare chief medical officer. “The success of this approach has reduced the impact of this year’s flu virus and is how we need to continue to reduce the impact of COVID-19.” 

The exact timing and duration of flu seasons can vary, but influenza activity often begins to increase in October, peaks between December and February, and can last as late as May.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 192.5 million doses of this year’s flu vaccine have been distributed nationally (as of January 1, 2021), compared to 174.2 million doses in total for the entire 2019-2020 flu season. This is great news as both the combination of practicing safety protocols and getting vaccinated is how we will limit illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to both COVID and influenza. 

“Each year brings a new formulation for the flu vaccine to reflect the different strains that are expected, so it’s important for everyone to get the flu vaccine each year,” said Dr. Vienne. New York state reports influenza A and B are circulating this season. “And as we’ve learned this year, there’s more to practicing personal responsibility than simply coughing into your elbow. We need to wear masks, practice social distancing, and wash our hands effectively and often to protect ourselves and others.” Last year, 22,000 Americans died from the flu and flu-related complications and 405,000 were hospitalized, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

 

A 2020 survey of 2,000 upstate New York adults, commissioned by Univera and conducted by One Research, found 60 percent of adults now believe it is important to get a flu vaccine. 

 

“Let’s hope that even more people agree on the importance of getting the COVID-19 vaccine when it is their turn, as the virus that causes COVID-19 spreads even more quickly than the influenza virus,” said Vienne.

 

Peter Kates is Vice President of Communications at Univera Healthcare.