COVID19-089 – September 12, 2021

Dear Patients:

The CDC advice regarding flu shots this year is to get it now and ideally no later than the end of October. Pharmacies and grocery stores have received shipments and are offering the shot. No prescription is needed, and the co pay is $0 with most insurance. My vaccines were ordered back in the spring, but we have not received any yet. Therefore, my advice is that at your earliest convenience, get your shot at a local pharmacy or grocery store.

If you are 65 or over, I recommend getting the senior version of the flu shot. A very recent study shows that it provides greater protection for senior patients and 24% fewer flu illnesses compared to the standard vaccine. The senior version will not be available in my office.

Again, this year, there is concern for a possible 'twindemic'. Fortunately, it did not materialize last year, nevertheless we need to be prepared, so my advice is to get your flu shot as soon as possible.

And finally, I hope to have an update regarding COVID boosters within the next few weeks once the FDA gives out further guidance. They currently have a meeting scheduled for September 17.

As a reminder, I'm no longer sending out daily updates and instead, I'm updating you periodically. I continue to enjoy writing these updates. Initially, these were only sent to my patients, however, I've been humbled to learn that, through social media, these writings have been forwarded and re-forwarded to many. This has brought me great joy to know that this simple act of sharing facts, thoughts, opinions, and hopes have touched you in some way. Hopefully I've been able to reassure you, maybe make you smile and laugh, soothe your worries, and comfort you. And maybe, just maybe, I've helped you to be in the moment!

Reach out. Stay connected. Stay home. Save lives. The power of one. Be well.

Feel free to forward this on: spread the word, not the virus.

HAO

24/7

Harry Oken, M.D.

Adjunct Professor of Medicine

University of Maryland, School of Medicine

Office 410-910-7500

Fax 410-910-2310

Cell 443-324-0823

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