With flu season approaching, Cleveland Clinic is offering appointment-only flu vaccinations at locations across Northeast Ohio starting Sept. 5, according to a news release.
Additional information can be found at www.clevelandclinic.org/flu.
Patients can schedule a flu clinic appointment by phone or online via MyChart now, the release said.
Patients also can receive the flu vaccine at most scheduled in-person office visits with a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant.
In addition, patients can call their primary care physician’s office to schedule a flu vaccination appointment with a nurse, according to the release.
“Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory infection that leads to thousands of hospitalizations every year. It can result in severe illness and should not be taken lightly,” said Steven Gordon, M.D., chair of the Department of Infectious Disease at Cleveland Clinic in the release. “Annual vaccination is the most effective method to prevent the spread of influenza and is the best way to keep ourselves and our communities healthy during respiratory virus season.”
Hospitals are preparing for an influx of flu, the coronavirus and RSV as the fall respiratory virus season begins, according to the release.
With the potential for these three viruses circulating at the same time, it is important to receive vaccinations to reduce your risk of infection, the release said.
Later this fall, Cleveland Clinic plans to offer the new RSV vaccine for adults aged 60 years and older, according to the release.
Patients should discuss with their doctor if they should receive the vaccine.
Also, patients can get vaccinated for COVID-19 at many scheduled primary care and specialty appointments, the release said.
A newly updated COVID-19 booster is anticipated to be available this fall, according to the release.
Annual flu vaccinations are recommended for everyone 6 months and older, but they’re particularly important for those who are at a higher risk of severe complications, the release said.
These groups include young children, adults aged 65 and older, pregnant women, individuals with chronic medical conditions and those with compromised immune systems.
By getting vaccinated, individuals not only protect themselves but also contribute to community immunity, reducing the overall impact of the flu season, according to the release.
In addition to vaccination, preventive measures like wearing masks, practicing good hand hygiene, social distancing and staying home when sick can further help reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses.
The flu is contagious and can cause serious respiratory infection, the release said.
The timing of seasonal flu activity can vary, but most typically occurs between October and May, and usually peaks between December and February.
Vaccination and preventive measures can help alleviate hospitalizations during peak flu and respiratory virus season, the release said.
Common symptoms of the flu include fever, dry cough, headache, sore throat, chills, muscle aches, tiredness and loss of appetite.
