Chair File: The Best Defense Against Flu and COVID-19

Autumn is here, and that means cooler weather and also the start of flu season.

We know the best way to prevent influenza is to get a flu vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone age 6 months or older get vaccinated, with rare exceptions, to help reduce the risk of flu and avoid serious, flu-related illnesses, hospitalization and even death. All U.S. flu vaccines will be trivalent for the 2024–2025 season, protecting against three different influenza viruses.   

The AHA is once again collaborating with national partners in leading the United Against the Flu campaign to encourage the public to get vaccinated. Visit AHA.org/flu for helpful information and resources, including the CDC’s flu shot finder and promotional messaging. Beginning this month through mid-March, the AHA team will create monthly social media kits with shareable posts that your teams can use to spread the word across your organization’s social channels.

Flu is not our only nemesis as fall and winter weather sets in. COVID-19 and RSV also are prevalent. Staying up to date and protected against these viruses is important. So when people get vaccinated against the flu, the CDC encourages getting other vaccinations  — like the COVID-19 or RSV vaccine — if the timing is right and their health provider recommends it.

The adage that “the best defense is a good offense” aptly describes getting vaccinated. Getting the flu, COVID-19 and other recommended vaccines helps protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities. It’s a winning strategy for staying healthy.