Benoy Pullukalayil

On a Saturday morning, during the month October, more than 80 cars are lined at the streets adjacent to a medical office building in Culver City, California.

It is noted that the lines are moving slowly. Some cars have additional passengers whereas some are occupied by driver only. Residents from the nearby apartments are out on their patio and some are looking through their windows wondering what is going on in their neighborhood.

One lady shout to an employee, “Is this line for COVID-19 test?” The nurse out at the entrance with a clipboard on hand responds that, “No. these cars are lined up and waiting to get their flu vaccines offered by MOB as a drive through and walk-in option.”

Lady chants “Interesting.”

Yes, COVID-19 is boosting flu vaccinations rates. Every institution offering flu vaccinations sees a higher demand this year. In fact, there are shortages of high dose flu vaccines offered for 65 and up.

Why there is a sudden demand for flu vaccinations? People are fearful of getting flu and COVID-19 at the same time. As the world is battling with COVID-19 and Ireland and United Kingdom are on lock down, American citizens are panicking. The public wanted to get protected from flu more than any time in the history of flu due to covid-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending all Americans vaccinate against flu …

Current data from different health plan sources indicates that there are disparities among different ethnic groups in flu vaccination rates even though there is a high demand.

There are lover vaccination rates among African American and Hispanic populations when comparing to Caucasian and Asian American populations. According to the CDC, people 65 years and older are at high risk of developing major complications from flu when comparing to healthy young individuals. This is because of the declining immune responses with the advancement of age.

Perthe CDC, it is estimated that 70-85% of seasonal flu-related deaths occurred to people 65 and older. It is also noted that 50-70% of flu-related seasonal hospitalizations are dominated by the same age group. The CDC endorses that a flu vaccine is the best protection against flu.

Elderly populations are at high risk for developing life threatening complications from flu. There are lots of similarities to the warning signs of flu and COVID-19 such as difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, persistent pain or pressure on the chest, severe muscle pain, high fever, severe weakness or unsteadiness, cough and worsening of chronic medical conditions.

Social distancing and masking mandates for COVID-19 are also effective for flu prevention. It is important to avoid crowded places and use properly ventilated indoor space as much as possible. Mainly being outdoors and in spaces with good ventilation significantly reduces the risk of getting infected with flu and COVID-19.

As evidenced by the Saturday morning crowd, it is clear that COVID-19 is significantly driving flu vaccinations up among the metropolitan communities. Agencies are reporting that they have seen record turnouts and long lines for flu vaccinations for 2020 flu season.

There were reports that certain drive-through locations had vaccinated 1,000-plus in a single day. Healthcare professionals welcome this historic turnout as increased flu vaccination saves lives and keep people sound and healthy at home, significantly reduces hospitalization, and helps to keep much needed emergency room and hospital beds for patients with higher priority conditions.

Yes, COVID-19 has historically boosted flu vaccination rates in America.

Editor’s note: Benoy Pullukalayil is a registered nurse in Los Angeles, California with ambulatory care experience.