Flu Vaccine 2021: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

What viruses does this vaccine protect against?

For 2020-2021, trivalent (three-component) egg-based vaccines protect against these strains of influenza:

A/Guangdong-Maonan/SWL1536/2019 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus (updated)

A/Hong Kong/2671/2019 (H3N2)-like virus (updated)

B/Washington/02/2019 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus (updated)

Quadrivalent (four-component) egg-based vaccines, which protect against a second lineage of B viruses, are recommended.

For 2020-2021, cell- or recombinant-based vaccines protect against these strains of influenza:

A/Hawaii/70/2019 (H1N1) pdm09-like virus (updated)

A/Hong Kong/45/2019 (H3N2)-like virus (updated)

B/Washington/02/2019 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus (updated)

B/Phuket/3073/2013-like (Yamagata lineage) virus

Why should I get the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine helps protect you and the people around you. Having more people vaccinated provides more protection for the community. The vaccine is also known to prevent other medical issues, such as heart and lung disease and diabetes.

How many vaccines are expected to be available for 2020-2021?

The flu vaccine supply depends on private manufacturers. For the 2020-2021 season, manufacturers have projected as many as 194 to 198 million doses. This is more than the 175 million dose record set during the 2019-2020 flu season.

Where can I get the flu shot?

You can get a flu shot through your regular medical provider, pharmacy, community clinic, or through the County Public Health Centers.

What is the difference between Influenza and COVID-19?

According to the CDC, “Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a new coronavirus (called SARS-CoV-2) and flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses. Because some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, it may be hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone, and testing may be needed to help confirm a diagnosis.”

COVID-19 seems to spread more easily than the flu. It also causes more serious illnesses in some people. It can also take longer before people show symptoms and people can be contagious for longer.

Should I get the flu shot during a pandemic?

Yes. Getting a flu vaccine is an essential part of protecting your health and your family’s health.

How does getting the flu shot help fight a COVID-19 infection?

With many viruses circulating in our community this year, the risk of illness is even higher. The flu vaccine will not protect against COVID-19, but it will help your body maintain a healthy immune system. A flu vaccine protects against the flu and other diseases that may also come through the flu virus. The flu vaccines should not be used as a replacement for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Can I have COVID-19 and flu at the same time?

It is possible to have flu and COVID-19 at the same time. It is not clear how often this has occurred or how common it will be.

Learn More About Influenza and COVID-19

At Bass Urgent Care, our team is committed to giving our patients correct information backed by facts. Give us a call today at (925) 318-9822 to find the nearest places to receive the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine.

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