(Photo Courtesy of Commonwealth Media Services)
Friday, January 21, 2022 at 6:50 AM
Norristown, PA – Pennsylvania Department of Health officials today provided an
update on 2021-2022 flu season and encouraged Pennsylvanians to get a flu vaccine
as soon as possible.
“With the growing number of flu cases amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, we want to
remind Pennsylvanians to take preventative measures, including getting a flu vaccine to
protect themselves, their family and communities from the flu this season,”
Pennsylvania Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson said. “If you do become sick with
the flu, it is imperative that you stay home. If you are at risk for developing serious
complications from the flu, or feel extremely ill, you should see a medical professional
immediately to determine your need for testing or isolation.”
Flu activity is high across the commonwealth. As of Jan. 18, there have been 28,475
laboratory-confirmed flu cases. There are flu cases in all 67 counties. Influenza A and B
have been identified by laboratory testing. Influenza-Like Illness (ILI), experiencing
symptoms of fever and cough or sore throat, has increased slightly since last week.
While flu seasons vary and more people are getting tested more frequently as COVID19 symptoms can be like flu symptoms, this week’s report is higher than this same week
last year and even higher when compared to this same week in 2019. At this time, it is
still below the state epidemic threshold. There have been 16 deaths reported in
Pennsylvania during the current flu season thus far.
“It is not too late to get your flu vaccine if you have not already done so,” Deputy
Secretary of Health Preparedness and Community Protection Ray Barishansky said.
“We know that people who get the flu after being vaccinated have less severe
symptoms and are not sick for as long as those who do not get vaccinated. We also
know that the COVID-19 vaccines do not protect you from getting the flu. So, while we
have been encouraging everyone to get COVID-19 vaccines, you still also need to
get your flu vaccine.”
The flu vaccine is available as an injection for anyone six months or older and as an
injection or nasal spray for anyone two or older. Flu vaccines are available at your
doctor’s office, pharmacy, local walk-in clinic or grocery store. COVID-19 and flu
vaccines can be received at the same time. For a list of flu vaccination clinics in
Pennsylvania, click here.
“An annual flu vaccine is free and it’s the best way to protect against flu and its
potentially serious complications,” Chair of the Montgomery County Board of
Commissioners Dr. Val Arkoosh said. “In Montgomery County, we want to make it as
easy as possible to stay up to date on your vaccinations, so we continue to offer the flu
vaccine to those attending our COVID-19 vaccination clinics. There is still time to get
vaccinated for the flu. Getting both the flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine protects you,
your family, and our hospitals.”
It is extremely important that in addition to getting vaccinated, Pennsylvanians should
practice healthy habits such as covering your mouth and nose when you cough or
sneeze, frequently washing your hands, and remembering to disinfect commonly
touched objects, including doorknobs, light switches, countertops, cell phones and
computers. You can also take advantage of the COVID Alert PA app to monitor your flu
and COVID-19 symptoms since they are similar.
For more information on the 2021-2022 flu season, click here.
Additional information on how to stay healthy and prevent the spread of flu and COVID19 can be found on the Department of Health’s website, Facebook, and Twitter pages.
