Flu shots decline as hospitalizations and office visits for respiratory viruses increase

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Friday, Dec. 2, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, along with the Medical College of Wisconsin, held a joint informational session about the lack of people in Wisconsin getting the flu shot.

This comes amid the growing numbers of hospitalizations and office visits for respiratory viruses seen throughout our nation.

Medical experts said they are seeing a "perfect storm" of three strong viruses: RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection), COVID and the flu.

"These viruses have impacted the health and wellness of our community and brought that (illness) down to our individual patients and loved ones," said Dr. Dave Margolis, Children's Wisconsin, MCW.

Medical experts said the flu and RSV viruses appeared nearly two to six weeks earlier this season.

"Throughout history influenza has had significant morbidity, hurting people, mortality, killing people," said Margolis.

With the growing number of people getting sick, doctors in our area understand it's been hard for people to get appointments to get the flu shot.

According to the Center for Disease Control, two influenza-associated pediatric deaths have been reported, for a total of 14 pediatric flu deaths reported so far this season.

Hospitals are working with primary care physicians to get people prescriptions to get their flu vaccine at a pharmacy.

If you're over the age of three, pharmacists can give you the flu shot with us without a prescription.

Doctors are urging people to make appointments now before we get too far into the holiday season, as it takes two weeks for the flu vaccine to take full effect.

To find flu vaccines near you, click here.