Doctors urge public to get flu shot early

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – Doctors are urging the public to get flu shots early this year during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ascension Prospect Medical Commons' flu clinic started Tuesday, Sept. 29, and doctors say it's important to get your flu shot now because the peak season runs between October and February. 

While doctors say the flu shot is only 50 percent effective, it's still important to get one every year. 

Dr. Margaret Barron said it is a myth that the flu shot can cause you to get the flu because the vaccine you're injected with is a killed vaccine, and not a live vaccine like the measles or some of the others. 

Dr. Barron explained why it's even more important to get a flu shot during the pandemic. 

“It’s very difficult to tell the difference between COVID and the flu especially in very young and very old people," said Dr. Barron. "If you have the flu shot at least we can -- we can’t rule out the flu -- but at least it makes it less likely that those symptoms are the flu."

The flu clinic at Ascension Prospect Medical Commons  runs every Tuesday and Thursday from 5-7 p.m. beginning Sept. 29, and ending Oct. 22. Appointments are necessary. 

Meantime, CBS 58 also spoke with Dr. Joseph Mosquera to discuss how people can save money on their shot and other prescriptions. More information can be found on the RxSaver website.