Missouri health officials are urging residents to get the flu vaccine in order to prevent the spread of the illness and “ease the burden of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses.”
The Department of Health and Senior Services said reported flu cases in 2020 were much lower than usual, but that means “the public should not lower their guard and fail to get vaccinated.” A record number of flu vaccines were administered in 2020.
“Getting your annual flu shot this fall is even more important this year as we continue to take action against COVID-19,” DHSS director Donald Kauerauf said. “We encourage every person over the age of 6 months to get a flu shot to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community against flu and its associated complications. Each flu season is different, and citizens need to practice individual protective actions including getting vaccinated.”