Ahead Of Potential 'Twin-Demic,' Baltimore County Officials Encourage Residents To Get The Flu Shot
TOWSON, Md. (WJZ) --Doctors are fearing what they're now calling a potential "Twin-demic."
"COVID is a game changer for all of us, and we cannot afford to face a potential twin-demic brought on by aggressive flu season," said Baltimore County Health Officer Dr. Gregory Branch.
Fueling concerns in some Marylanders.
"I'm going to wear my mask all the time," said Kevin Yang, who has not yet received the flu shot.
"I don't need another shut down, I really don't," said Baltimore resident Cindy Swiss.
Officials believe last year's mild winter flu season was partly due to strict COVID-19 precautions.
"We also know that there was a record number of vaccines from the flu shot distributed last year in the U.S.," said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr.
Now, the CDC says we could be facing a potentially early and severe flu season because of relaxed safety measures and the population's reduced immunity to the virus due to low flu activity last year.
"Everyone who is over 6 months of age should get vaccinated," said Olszewski. "That certainly includes me"
That's why Baltimore County leaders rolled up their sleeves to get a flu shot Tuesday, as they announced the county's annual Super Weekend flu clinics this month on Oct. 16 and 17.
"The most important thing is to get vaccinated," said Branch. "Do it for yourself, do it for your loved ones , do it for your community."
Swiss is already ahead of the game and got her flu shot last week, on top of being fully vaccinated against covid-19…
"People haven't been around each other, but now we're starting to get together, and people are getting sick with colds and flu and things like that," she said.
Doctors say it is safe to get both COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time. And now, it's more important than ever to protect yourself from both.
The free Super Weekend flu clinic will be held next weekend from 9 a.m. to noon at various locations in Baltimore County.
Although walk-ins are welcome, appointments are recommended to get a flu shot. Residents can book a slot between by visiting baltimorecountymd.gov/flu or calling the Department of Health at 410-887-3816.
On Saturday, Oct. 16, clinics will be held at the Drumcastle Government Center, Sollers Point Multi-Purpose Center, Hereford Middle School and Randallstown Community Center.
On Sunday, Oct. 17, clinics are scheduled at the Drumcastle Government Center, Lansdowne Middle School, Middle River Middle School and Pikesville Middle School..