Stay informed: What to know about the flu and COVID vaccines

This paid article is sponsored by Avera Health.

The germs are starting to spread, so now is the perfect time to get vaccinated this winter to prevent illness.

The CDC is recommending flu and COVID vaccinations for people this fall, and Avera providers are also following those recommendations. Flu and COVID can lead to hospitalization and even death in severe cases, but the vaccines prevent millions of illnesses every year.

Here’s what you should know about flu:

• With a few exceptions, everyone ages 6 months and older should be vaccinated against the flu.
• Vaccination is especially important for people who are at higher risk of serious flu complications. This includes pregnant women and people with asthma, diabetes or other chronic problems.

Here’s what you should know about COVID:

• Everyone 6 months and older should receive a COVID-19 vaccine in 2024-25.
• The COVID-19 vaccine protects you from serious illness, hospitalization and death.
• It is especially important to get vaccinated if you are 65 or older, are at high risk for severe COVID-19 disease, or have never received a COVID-19 vaccination.

Dr. David Basel, vice president of clinical quality for Avera Medical Group, answers some frequently asked questions about vaccines.

How do vaccines work?

When exposed to a viral or bacterial infection, a race ensues; The virus or bacterium tries to reproduce and make additional copies. The body tries to use its immune cells to recognize the infection as foreign and a threat and then stimulate the production of other immune cells that make antibodies to fight off the infection. A vaccine gives you a head start in the race against the virus or bacteria.

Are vaccines safe?

We get a lot of questions about vaccine safety. There are risks in the form of an allergic reaction to everything we give, but the risks of an allergic reaction are much less worrisome than the risk of getting the actual disease. It is so protective and does so much to protect people, especially those who are vulnerable.

What else helps immunity?

There are many things you can do to prevent illness in your community, including getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, washing your hands frequently, and staying home when you are sick.

If you become ill, Avera locations are available after hours to advise you. Alternatively, you can message your regular provider through AveraChart for help. Register at an urgent location in Sioux Falls to save your spot and plan your arrival time.