MONROE — As the flu season begins and communities continue to combat the COVID-19 virus, the University of Wisconsin Division of Extension Green County, in coordination with the Green County Health Department, recognizes that getting the flu vaccine is more important than ever this year. By getting vaccinated, the flu can be prevented from circulating at the same time as COVID-19.

In Wisconsin’s 2019-2020 flu season, there were 36,175 flu cases reported, 4,425 flu-related hospitalizations and 183 deaths including 3 children, along with the highest number of pregnant people hospitalized for flu. While these statistics are alarming, a combination of flu and COVID-19 cases could result in even more severe illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths this year, and put additional strain on Wisconsin’s health care system and providers.

Having as many people vaccinated as possible limits the spread of the flu. Timing of vaccination is also of concern. Typically, the flu starts to spread in the late fall in Wisconsin. Since it takes about two weeks for the flu vaccine to protect you against the virus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) recommend that everybody age 6 months and older get a flu vaccine by Halloween.

Health care providers all across Wisconsin are making sure that safe and convenient vaccination options are available. Call a health care provider or local health department today to inquire. The website https://www.vaccines.gov/ can also be used to find providers by location. If the cost of the vaccine is a concern, inquire with a health care provider or local health department regarding free or lower-cost vaccines.

For more information about the importance of flu vaccinations, please contact Hannah McMunn, Extension Green County Health and Well-Being Educator, at 608-328-9440 or hannah.mcmunn@wisc.edu.