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Local health leaders are encouraging the public to take the same actions that help prevent the spread of COVID-19 — wearing a face mask, washing hands frequently and maintaining social distance — to also prevent spread of the flu.

The upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays and students back from school will mean more family gatherings and the opportunity for both to spread, if people let their guards down.

That’s why, those leaders say, it is important to get a flu vaccine as the flu season starts in earnest.

Flu vaccines are plentiful, said Gail O’Neill, director of the Sangamon County Department of Public Health.

* The Question: Did you get your flu shot yet? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please…

survey service

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 1:35 pm

Comments

It’s a requirement for the hospital program I volunteer for (even though we are not able to volunteer right now) and it’s a no-brainer in our house. My wife works in healthcare so she is at risk for getting it (she has to get a shot as well) and bringing it home.

Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 1:37 pm
i usually get mine in september. is it possible to get it too early in the season?

Comment by lefty Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 1:38 pm
I usually wait until the first week of November to get my shot. Given the current situation, I may hold off a bit later given I don’t have any underlying problems and my household isn’t out much.

Comment by Fixer Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 1:42 pm
I usually wait until mid-October. Will get it next week for sure!

Comment by Way South if I-80 Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 1:42 pm
Not yet. Local Kroger pharmacy ran out of the high potency flu vaccine and is waiting for more. Hope to be getting it in next couple weeks.

Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 1:42 pm
Ran to Walgreens after work last week, in and out in less than 30 minutes, free. I want to keep the potential load on our local hospital and essential workers as low as I can so they can be there when people need them.

Comment by Earnest Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 1:43 pm
I get one every year. Don’t know why you wouldn’t.

Can’t wait for the Covid vaccine.

Comment by SSL Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 1:46 pm
Got one last Thursday after my PCP said to ‘for absolute sure’ get one this year. (I always do anyway) The nurse who administered it, when she came in the room asked if I was getting the flu shot and when I said yes, she said ‘Thank God. We are getting alot of pushback and no’s on it this year.’ Worrisome.

Comment by DEE Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 1:48 pm
Yes, about 3 weeks ago after the drive-thru flu shot sites from Springfield Clinic opened. (No state employee flu shot clinics this year).

Comment by Chatham Resident Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 1:48 pm
Picked up forms from pharmacy at drive up window. will take my bride and filled out forms in Thursday or Friday morning. Less exposure for us.

Comment by The Magnificent Purple Walnut Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 1:48 pm
Yes, got mine last week. My age and past history of resp. issues made getting one a priority.

Was going to hold off until November until Doc’s office called and told me they are growing concerned about running out of flu vaccine so get it done now.

Comment by Give Me A Break Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 1:48 pm
I voted No, and I won’t. I am 61 years old and have always, always believed in letting my body defend itself. I am not anti doctor, hospital, etc. I do annual physicals, etc. I have a very strong immune system as I rarely get colds, flu, etc. So unless something changes, I will continue pass on flu shots.

Comment by Big Jer Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 1:50 pm
I’ll be getting mine soon at the local Walgreen’s, as I do every October. It’s a fast, although not altogether painless experience.

Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 1:50 pm
Got it today at a Walgreens. Have heard about several local doctor’s offices and pharmacies running out of it so was very pleased they had it in stock and there was no line.

Comment by hisgirlfriday Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 1:52 pm
Getting the vaccine because science.

Comment by Scamp640 Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 1:53 pm
Yup, the whole house went to JewelOsco. Less than ten minutes. Insurance paid & we got a 10% off grocery coupon for each vaccination.

Comment by LoyalVirus Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 1:53 pm
No, but will soon because it is being estimated that the flu season will spike a little later because of social distancing, mask requirements.

Comment by Simply Sayin' Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 1:55 pm
*waiting until the end of October (forgot to include that)

Comment by Simply Sayin' Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 1:56 pm
Got mine and will get the COVID vaccine when available.

Comment by Nagidam Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 1:57 pm
Voted yes because….duh

Comment by Cheap Seats Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 1:57 pm
= Voted yes because….duh =
ditto.

Comment by Dysfunction Junction Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 2:06 pm
Yes, my wife pestered me into it yesterday, though I usually wait until Nov..

Comment by walker Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 2:08 pm
Not yet. I was actually at the doctors for routine checkup and they asked. I said yes and the doctor even followed up and asked again. I didn’t notice until after I left that we all forgot.

Comment by Been There Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 2:10 pm
Got mine at the University I teach at yesterday. More then normal getting it this year

Comment by illdoc Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 2:12 pm
Got my flu shot about two weeks ago at CVS and got a coupon to use at Target. I was the only one at the pharmacy asking for a flu shot so the whole process (paperwork included) took about 10 minutes. I have gotten a yearly flu shot for the last 14 years or so because, you know, it’s a smart thing to do for your health.

Comment by Bourbon Street Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 2:13 pm
My Walgreens was out of the Fluzone high-dose vaccine for seniors.
All they had was the FLUAD Quadrivalent, an adjuvanted vaccine.
Adjuvants? I think I’ll wait for the Fluzone high-dose or just take the regular shot. It’s still early.
Just be aware that there are at least 3 different vaccines available this season.

Comment by TinyDancer(FKASue) Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 2:13 pm
Got mine for the same reason I wear a mask. I do it for the people around me who I care about. Even if my flu is bearable, or a symptomatic, I don’t want you to get it.

Comment by Uptown Progressive Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 2:19 pm
As a State retiree, I’ll get my freebie Friday from Macoupin Co Health Dept’s drive-thru at the county fairgrouinds. 2-6.

Comment by tomhail Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 2:19 pm
I got mine a couple weeks ago. Last year I got the flew before Covid hit and it sucked. It was the first time I had a significant case and I was affected for two weeks. I hadn’t gotten a shot because I didn’t have insurance and it would have cost $20. That was stupid. So this year I got it right away.

Comment by ArchPundit Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 2:22 pm
Voted no at this point. Taking proper precautions against COVID also greatly diminishes exposure to flu.

Comment by Dance Band on the Titanic Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 2:23 pm
Got mine today. Haven’t gotten one before. Had the flu last January and don’t want it again. Only car in line.

Comment by FLU shot Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 2:24 pm
Not yet, but soon. I usually get one at work, but they’re not offered there this year, so I just made an appointment for a drive-thru shot. Same situation with my kids - they usually go to the walk-in clinic but had to make an appointment with their pedi this year.

Comment by wildcat12 Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 2:25 pm
Got high dose at local Walgreens. Insurance paid it all. Easy thing to do.

Comment by zatoichi Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 2:25 pm
I’m on the fence about it. I think a lot of people should get it, but I’m working from home and really haven’t left since March — we have anything delivered (and subsequently cleaned or quarantined) that we need. The kids are now home-schooled through a better online learning system than the school district offers, so they won’t be going back any time soon either.
I don’t see any way for the virus to make it into our house.

If any of the above changes, we’ll get the shot. Otherwise it seems like doing it now increases our risk.

Comment by Stuff Happens Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 2:27 pm
Got it at Walgreens. Quick, easy, and covered by insurance. I’ve had the flu once before when I didn’t get the shot and I don’t want to relive that experience. It was brutal.

Comment by slow down Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 2:27 pm
Got it on Monday at the local Walgreens. I’m taking no chances.

(Off-topic: The founder’s name was Walgreen and it always annoys me that they don’t use an apostrophe.)

Comment by JoanP Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 2:27 pm
Going out to get ours right now!

Comment by KBS Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 2:28 pm
Got mine the first day the senior adult special was available at my PCP’s office. Because why ever wouldn’t you?

Comment by Flapdoodle Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 2:29 pm
I’ll get it on my next doc appointment. Same as always.

Comment by a drop in Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 2:32 pm
I have not in past but am this year. Had an appointment at doctor’s office but were out of high potency (also our local stores). If they don’t get any more in, I’ll get the regular dose in 2 weeks.

Comment by Interim Retiree Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 2:33 pm
Yes, at CVS. But we had to deal with some doofus standing there coughing with no mask on. Still, it was quick and easy enough. No after-effects either.

Comment by MSIX Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 2:33 pm
We got our flu shots last week. We both have underlying conditions that make them seem important to us.

Comment by Nilwood Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 2:35 pm
Yes, a week ago. Retiree who’ve had a flu shot every year for awhile.

Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 2:38 pm
Yes. Normally I wait until a little later in the season, but I didn’t want to take any chances this year.

Comment by Cromulent M. Biggens Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 2:41 pm
Whole family (4 of us) have our shots as of last night.

Comment by Highland IL Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 2:42 pm
Yes. I get one annually. I had flu years ago and it went into viral pneumonia. Since then I have gotten a shot every year.

Comment by Nearly Normal Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 2:45 pm
Scheduled for next week at the doc’s office. Never did until the last ten years as the internist guilts me into compliance. Before Covid, I rode CTA busses regularly. Always jammed packed with standing room only. Must have helped.

Comment by Rudy’s teeth Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 2:52 pm
===I have a very strong immune system=====
Until you don’t. Are you sure you’re not a doctor?

Comment by Dr. Pepper Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 2:54 pm
Got mine 2 weeks ago. Will be first in line for the covid vac as soon as one is available.

Comment by Captain Obvious Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 3:08 pm
My physician insisted on a pneumonia shot which has been administered. She is ambivalent with respect to the efficacy or need for a flu shot considering my personal health profile-so I am considering it but probably won’t.

Comment by Responsa Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 3:11 pm
dealing with some other family health issues and when that is over, we are heading for shots.

Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 3:13 pm
I always get one in mid-September; that gives it a couple weeks to become effective before flu season usually starts in Chicago.

Comment by jabes Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 3:17 pm
Yep, I got mine at work last week when a local pharmacy came on site to jab any employees that wanted it. Not required at my workplace but it is nice that they usually offer on site flu shots every year.

Comment by Aaron B Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 3:23 pm
Going soon, just need to make the time.

In response to Lefty - Fauci gets his in October, as some research shows a September shot may wear off by Feb/Mar.
https://www.cnbc.com/2020/09/16/when-dr-anthony-fauci-gets-his-flu-shot-and-why.html

Comment by Notorious RBG Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 3:30 pm
I’m working from home, so I’ll wait until my next scheduled doctor appointment.

Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 3:34 pm
Never have and probably not

Comment by JDuc Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 3:40 pm
Voted no and I wont because I’m apparently allergic to it. Took a flu shot one year and ended up in ER for a couple days. Never again.

Comment by Iamthepita Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 3:45 pm
While I am most certainly a strong proponent of annual flu vaccinations, due to a health condition/issue; I can’t receive one. That’s why I so strongly encourage everyone to get one. For the folks like me.

Comment by DownSouth Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 3:46 pm
I have some unavoidable in-person stuff to do in coming weeks, so yeah. First I need to figure out the intricacies of pneumonia vaccination — apparently there’s more than one vaccine and possibly a series of two shots with one of them? Anyway, best to make as few trips as possible.

Comment by yinn Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 3:56 pm
I will, in short order, get one.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 3:57 pm
Sure did. A great drive-through clinic in Springfield. No appointment needed and I didn’t even have to get out of the car.

Comment by Sangamo Girl Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 4:01 pm
I used to get the shot in October/November. Then someone who was obviously sick walked into our meeting room the week after Labor Day. Sure enough I got the flu and was knocked out for a week. For the past five years I’ve gotten it at the beginning of September.

Comment by Independent Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 4:04 pm
Five weeks ago. I ran into Walgreen’s for my (with insurance) no payment shot and was out in 15 minutes. I asked the pharmacist if it was too early, and she said she was getting hers that day.

Comment by GDUB Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 4:19 pm
I plan to get the flu shot very soon, but our Walgreens was out of the high dose version. I have to find another source.

Comment by Downstate Dem Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 4:21 pm
Went in September as I was hearing of shortages happening for the high dose version. CVS told my husband to get it done in the next week as they were having difficulty with the accessing the high dosage version. I went the same day and Walgreens’s was fine but that was 2 weeks ago.

Comment by illinifan Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 4:23 pm
I haven’t yet but I will.

When I was in direct public service and dealing with walk in customers, I got it right away every year. I will still get it, just not in any rush

Comment by Titan Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 4:28 pm
The clinic was out of high dose version when I called last week

Comment by RetiredStateEmployee Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 4:30 pm
Got it this week. Unlikely to get flu anyway because of lockdown. Still too much risk. Too many health issues in my family.

Comment by Last Bull Moose Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 4:38 pm
Whole household got one in mid September. Usually I wait until my workplace offers them, but not this year.

Comment by thunderspirit Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 4:58 pm
Shots for me by the weekend hopefully, but two weeks into looking for a neighborhood clinic that has the vaccine available on days I can make it.

Comment by ChicagoBars Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 5:02 pm
As I said earlier today, I got my flu shot three weeks ago with Springfield Clinic drive-up clinic.

But this year I’m wondering if it’s possible to get a second flu shot? Even if I have to pay it out of pocket later this winter.

Interesting article from November 2018 from the New York Times regarding second flu shots:

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/09/well/live/would-two-flu-shots-protect-me-better-than-one.html#commentsContainer

Comment by Chatham Resident Wednesday, Oct 7, 20 @ 9:38 pm
===But this year I’m wondering if it’s possible to get a second flu shot?===

Yeah — especially if you’re visiting a place that doesn’t review or access your medical records to see if you’ve already had a flu shot.

Comment by Candy Dogood Thursday, Oct 8, 20 @ 9:08 am
Our school had a flu clinic for students, staff and their families. Walgreens conducted it.

Comment by Stix Hix Thursday, Oct 8, 20 @ 9:33 am