Hospitals across Nebraska are preparing for the spread of both COVID-19 and the flu this winter. That’s why experts say getting a flu shot is more important than ever this year: as U.S. COVID-19 cases continue to climb, preventing an additional surge in flu patients is key to protecting healthcare systems from becoming overwhelmed.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska is trying to make it easier for Nebraskans to get vaccinated this year. The provider is offering free flu shots to community members at 14 YMCAs through November. Kathy Nellor, Health Transformation Leader at Nebraska’s Blue Cross Blue Shield said the initiative is geared toward anybody who wants a vaccine, regardless of whether they have health insurance.
“We’re trying to break down all of those barriers, and working with the YMCA is that perfect fit,” she said. “We want our community members to be able to get the flu shot, whether they have insurance or don’t have insurance.”
According to the CDC, during the 2018-2019 flu season, the flu shot helped prevent 4.4 million illnesses, and the shot can cut a person’s risk of contracting the illness by roughly half. She urged Nebraskans to sign up for a time slot ahead of time. Sign ups are available online.