Flu and COVID season are likely to overlap this season, and County health officials suggest it’s most likely time to get that COVID and Flu shot. And – the vaccines are available in a single dose.

Data from the CDC shows just under 50% of Illinoisans received a Flu shot during the 2023-24 Flu season, while only about 25% of adults in the state got a COVID vaccine this year before the CDC approved an updated shot in late August.

Dr. Doug Kasper, an Infectious Disease Specialist at OSF HealthCare, says "COVID has been a little more seasonal each year and we start to predict peaks in October."
"The vaccine is now being recommended for everybody six months and older as a one time, once a year, vaccine," Dr. Kasper said.

Dr. Kasper says, For the population as a whole, Influenza and COVID are recommended across all age groups."

Unlike the Flu vaccine, the COVID vaccine will not prevent you from contracting the illness. It's goal is to minimize symptoms if you do test positive.

Primary care providers and County health departments can provide more info and vaccine availability.

94.1 WGFA