A flu vaccine is administered to National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) staff members in Bethesda, Md., on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020. (AP Photo/Federica Narancio)October is prime time for flu vaccinations, and the U.S. and Europe are gearing up for what experts hope is high demand as countries seek to avoid a “twindemic” with COVID-19. Be patient: Flu vaccine ships gradually. France has ordered 30% more flu vaccine than last year, with first shots given to the high risk as inoculations begin later this month. Italy also lowered the threshold — from age 65 to 60 — for receiving the flu vaccine free of charge.

When you add what is a typical flu season you get concerned about overwhelming the medical system, Dr. Bigler said. If kids do well with COVID, is flu season any different for them this year? Standard flu symptoms include fever, muscle aches, coughing, shortness of breath and fatigue. Make sure to time the vaccine just right in order to have protection the entire flu season. Dr. Regan said 50% of kids who die from flu complications didnt get a flu shot and those deaths could be prevented.