Flu Shots Help 'Avoid Co-Infection With COVID-19 And Flu' : WCHD​

BOLINGBROOK, IL — With the coronavirus pandemic wreaking havoc on the health and well-being of thousands in the country, getting a flu shot has never been more imperative. With that in mind, the Will County Health Department is offering flu shots across its various immunization clinics, including one in Bolingbrook.

County residents can visit this clinic in Bolingbrook located at 323 Quaderangle Drive. To schedule an appointment, call (815) 740-8143 between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

"Each season, millions of Americans are sickened with flu, hundreds of thousands are hospitalized, and tens of thousands die. This season we are also battling COVID-19, another virus that can cause severe respiratory illness," WCHD wrote in a news release. "While a vaccine for COVID-19 is still under development, there is a vaccine for flu that has been proven to be safe and effective over the past 50 years. Getting a flu vaccine can help you avoid co-infection with COVID-19 and flu."

Public health officials recommend everyone six months of age and older should get the seasonal flu vaccine. The vaccine is available in either a flu shot, or in a nasal spray. Talk with a health care provider about what type is most appropriate for you.

In addition to getting your flu vaccine, the Illinois Department of Public Health recommends following the 3 Ws for both COVID-19 and influenza.
– Wash your hands
– Watch your distance
– Wear your mask

Many of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are the same, such as fever and cough, but there are some differences, WCHD said. If you have symptoms of either flu or COVID-19, self-isolate and contact a health care provider. They can talk with you about testing and other measures you should be taking.

According to CDC, during 2018-2019, flu vaccination prevented an estimated 4.4 million influenza illnesses, 2.3 million influenza-associated medical visits, 58,000 influenza-associated hospitalizations, and 3,500 influenza-associated deaths.

A 2017 study also showed that flu vaccination reduced deaths, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, ICU length of stay, and overall duration of hospitalization among hospitalized flu patients.

State of Illinois employees can get free shots at the clinic with prior appointment.

For more information, visit the WCHD website.

The other locations for flu shots in Will County are:

• Joliet Immunization Clinic, 501 Ella Ave., Joliet
• Monee Immunization Clinic, 5601 Monee-Manhattan Road, Monee
• Will County Community Health Center, 1106 Neal Ave., Joliet