GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) – Flu numbers are hitting new highs every day, but vaccination rates aren’t keeping up.
Central District Health Department officials do not have an official percentage of vaccination rates, but say they are close to the national average of 14%. The department said there could be a couple of reasons why rates are falling.
“Maybe because we didn’t have a lot of flu last year,” said Teresa Anderson, health director for the Central District Health Department. “Maybe it’s because people are tired of hearing about these viruses. We know that the flu shot we have this year is as effective as any other year, it might not stop you from getting the flu.”
Anderson said the vaccine won’t prevent a person from getting the flu, but they’re still the best solution.
“What we do know is that some people may think the vaccine isn’t working because they still have the flu,” Anderson said. “What we know about it is that it’s not 100% effective against the flu. What it protects us from is getting seriously ill and being hospitalized.”
Anderson says the same applies to getting a COVID boost because they target specific variants.
“Vaccines target the specific variants or viruses that cause you to be sick. Home remedies can be helpful, some work better than others,” Anderson said. “We really know that taking these measures of getting vaccinated, washing your hands, staying home when you’re sick. These are things that really help us.”
Anderson specified how the COVID booster and the flu vaccine can work together and allow them to create antibodies to fight the viruses. He also says home remedies shouldn’t be something people use as a vaccine substitute.
“If you get sick, cold or flu medications can be effective in helping to reduce symptoms, the best way to do that is to get vaccinated because you probably don’t need those medications,” Anderson said.
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