TRENTON, NJ – She needs absolutely no introduction and on Monday, New Jersey Department of Health Commission Judith Persichili warned of a possible “Twindemic” this coming fall. She urged New Jerseyans to get their flu shots and make sure they avoid the COVID-19 virus.
“As we enter the fall season, we are also moving into the flu season. This year we are preparing for the possibility of a twindemic, a severe flu season and a resurgence of COVID-19, which could strain healthcare resources,” Persichili said. “Therefore, this year more than ever, it is important that everyone six months of age and older get vaccinated against the flu. The Healthy People target for flu vaccination is 70%. Nationally and in New Jersey, less than half of the eligible population receive the flu vaccine. This leaves many people vulnerable to the complications of the flu.”
Twindemic is likely to be the catchphrase used by politicians as we head into the fall season.
“Getting a yearly flu vaccine helps to protect you and those around you who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness, like babies, young children and older people, and people with certain chronic health conditions. The flu vaccine will not protect you against COVID-19. However, the vaccine can reduce flu illnesses and hospitalizations. September and October are good times to be vaccinated,” Persichili added. “This year the CDC is encouraging residents to get vaccinated by the end of October. It takes two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against influenza virus infection. That’s why it’s best to get vaccinated before influenza viruses start to spread in your community. However, residents can be vaccinated anytime while the flu virus are circulating, even after January.”