Back-to-School Season: The Importance of Flu Shots 

West End Healthline

By Beth Westphal, MD 

As summer is winding down and back-to-school season begins, now is a great time to think about health preparations for the new school year. There are many things to consider ensuring a smooth transition back to school, and one of the most important – and often overlooked – ways to promote a healthy school year is getting a flu shot. This vaccination plays a crucial role in safeguarding the health of students, families and communities. A flu shot is your best defense to prevent getting the virus and its potentially serious complications. 

Here’s a few reasons why getting your flu shot should be a priority this fall, and how it fits into your back-to-school preparations. 

Reduces the Spread and Protects Against Severe Illness 

The influenza virus (which causes the flu) spreads easily, and this is especially true in classroom environments where students are in close contact with each other for many hours of the day. Flu shots play a major role in reducing the overall spread of the influenza virus. When a large portion of the population is vaccinated, it creates a form of “herd immunity”. This means that even those who aren’t vaccinated are less likely to get the virus, because its transmission is reduced. 

The flu can sometimes lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, myocarditis (inflammation of the heart) and sinus infections. For some individuals, such as young children, the elderly and those with chronic health conditions, the flu can be particularly dangerous. Getting the flu vaccine significantly reduces the risk of developing these severe outcomes. By getting vaccinated, you’re not only protecting yourself, but also helping to prevent the spread of the flu virus to those in your community who may be more vulnerable. 

Timing Your Flu Shot 

It’s recommended to get the flu shot before the flu season starts. Here in Minnesota, flu season usually peaks in the fall and winter, coinciding with the start of the school year. September through October are excellent months to schedule this vaccination, as it allows your body time to build immunity before the flu virus becomes widespread. Because the influenza virus changes (or “mutates”) slightly from year to year, you need a new flu vaccine every year before each flu season. 

Who should get vaccinated? 

Everyone aged 6 months or older should get the flu vaccine every year. Many people are concerned about the safety of vaccines, especially for children. But for most people, the risk of complications from the flu vaccine is much smaller than the risk of being infected with the flu. While no vaccine is 100% safe for everyone, overall, the flu vaccine has a very low risk of causing harm. 

How else can I stop the spread? 

Besides getting vaccinated, there are several other important things to do to help prevent the spread of influenza. Frequent handwashing with soap and water, and avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth can help limit the spread. Additionally, make sure to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoid close contact with people who are sick. 

If you or your child gets sick with a flu-like illness, make sure to stay home to rest and recover. While you are sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from spreading the infection. If needed, reach out to your healthcare provider. Keep an eye out for serious symptoms that warrant immediate medical attention, including trouble breathing, dehydration, fever that is not controlled by fever-reducing medication or any other symptom that is severe or concerning. 

As the back-to-school season approaches, getting a flu shot is a crucial step in protecting your child’s health and promoting a strong start to the school year. By prioritizing vaccination and adopting good health practices, you contribute to a healthier school environment and help minimize the impact of the flu season on your family and community. Schedule your flu shot today, and take advantage of this simple yet effective measure to prevent the flu! 

Dr. Westphal is a family physician at Allina Health United Family Physicians, 233 Grand Ave, Saint Paul, MN 55102, 651-241-5200.