Don’t let the flu foul up your fall plans
Parkland has flu vaccines for the whole family
As autumn settles in and North Texans begin to welcome cooler temperatures, it’s not just the changing leaves that should be on your radar—it’s also flu season. With flu activity typically peaking between December and February and sometimes lasting into the spring, now is the time to take an important step toward protecting your health. Parkland Health now has this season’s flu shots available, and it’s not too early to get vaccinated to protect yourself and your loved ones all season long.
According to Cesar Termulo, MD, Associate Medical Director for Parkland’s network of Community Oriented Primary Care (COPC) health centers, fall is the ideal time to get vaccinated against the flu. “It is important to get the flu shot when it is available in the fall,” Dr. Termulo said. “It takes about two weeks for antibody levels to ramp up after the flu shot, and the traditional seasonality of many infections has changed since the pandemic.”
Parkland makes it easy to get your flu shot. Patients of all ages can visit Parkland’s COPCs for a flu shot at no cost with most insurances, restrictions may apply. To avoid waiting, Wednesdays are recommended. During Walk-In Wednesdays, a staff dedicated solely to providing flu shots is available from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 4 p.m.
The flu virus evolves each year, and the vaccine is updated to match the circulating strains. By getting your flu shot, you’re safeguarding yourself against the most common and infectious strains predicted for this season. This protection not only reduces your risk of catching the flu but also helps ease the severity of symptoms if you do get sick.
Because flu viruses spread easily in crowded places, and cooler weather brings more people indoors for gatherings, getting vaccinated helps protect both yourself and others. This is particularly important for those around you who may be more vulnerable, including young children, the elderly and individuals with chronic health conditions such as diabetes or cancer.
The flu can lead to serious health complications, such as pneumonia. For those with pre-existing health conditions, these complications can be even more severe or even deadly. Getting vaccinated significantly lowers the risk of these complications.
Herd immunity occurs when a significant portion of the population is vaccinated, thereby reducing the overall spread of the virus. “Receiving a shot can actually benefit others. By protecting ourselves, we can protect others,” Dr. Termulo said.
For more information about Parkland services, visit parklandhealth.org/your-team. To learn more about the flu and where to get your shot, visit parklandhealth.org/flu.
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