HOUSTON — Seasonal flu vaccines are now available at select UT Physicians clinics. Protection against the flu is critical as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 9 million to 41 million people suffer from the virus yearly in the U.S.
“We understand there is a segment of the population that is apprehensive about vaccination and feels vaccine fatigue following the push to control the COVID-19 pandemic, but clear and historical data prove the flu vaccine is safe and effective,” said Luis Z. Ostrosky, MD, a UT Physicians infectious disease expert.
The flu vaccine reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke
The flu virus can cause severe inflammation throughout the body.
“Patients will often say it feels like being hit by a truck,” explained Ostrosky, professor and vice chair of health care quality with McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston.
That inflammation can trigger a heart attack or stroke in someone who is already at risk for these conditions.
“It is quite amazing that you can get a vaccine to prevent not only the flu but then protect yourself from additional health complications,” said Ostrosky.
The economic impact of the flu
An often-neglected impact of influenza is the virus’ financial burden on our economy.
“The flu doesn’t just put you out of work for a few days,” said Ostrosky. “It can last for a week.”
When millions of people are out of work for a week at a time during flu season, it can add up to months of lost productivity.
“There is well-documented economic impact on our society,” said Ostrosky.
Undeniable flu vaccine benefits
The flu vaccine benefits you by protecting you and the people you live with or spend significant time around. Everyone 6 months and older needs a flu vaccine each year.
“We have decades of experience with vaccines. They work. They prevent hospitalization and severe disease,” explained Ostrosky. “From a scientific standpoint, there is no gray area.”
Protecting yourself from severe illness reduces your risk of spreading the virus, thus protecting the people around you.
After receiving your flu vaccine, it takes about two weeks to be fully protected. Ostrosky recommends getting your flu shot during the first week of October for maximum protection this fall and winter.
Reduced cost
UT Physicians offers $19 flu vaccines to uninsured or underinsured individuals.
Call 888-488-3627 to schedule an appointment at one of the following locations:
UT Physicians Multispecialty – The Heights
925 N. Shepherd Dr.
Houston, TX 77008
UT Physicians Family Practice – Bayshore
11452 Space Center Blvd.
Houston, TX 77059
UT Physicians Multispecialty – Bellaire Station
6500 West Loop S, Suite 200-F
Houston, TX 77401
UT Physicians Multispecialty – Cinco Ranch
23923 Cinco Ranch Blvd.
Katy, TX 77494
UT Physicians Multispecialty – Sienna
8810 Highway 6, Suite 100
Missouri City, TX 77459
UT Physicians Multispecialty – Greens
550 Greens Pkwy., Suite 150
Houston, TX 77067
UT Physicians Multispecialty – International District
10623 Bellaire Blvd., Suite C280
Houston, TX 77072
UT Physicians Multispecialty – Rosenberg
5115 Avenue H, Suite 701
Rosenberg, TX 77471
UT Physicians Multispecialty – Jensen
2620 E. Crosstimbers St., Suite 100
Houston, TX 77093
UT Physicians Multispecialty – Victory
7364 Antoine Dr.
Houston, TX 77088
This content is provided by UT Physicians, a sponsor of Health Matters.
