Importance of vaccines during COVID-19 pandemic

Every year, health officials urge the public to get the flu vaccine. The novel coronavirus makes that even more important. 

In a normal year, influenza causes many people to be hospitalized. Dr. John Lynch, medical director of infection control and prevention at Harborview Medical Center, explains that getting the flu shot this year will help hospitals preserve capacity to treat people who contract COVID-19, if that patient surge emerges as expected. Additionally, getting immunized for flu might prevent you from trying to fight both respiratory viruses at the same time. 

Lynch adds that it's important that parents remember and take action on other routine vaccines that children should have, such as the shot for measles, mumps, and rubella. See the lists of recommended childhood vaccines posted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.