Image: Sick child in bed, looking miserable. (Shutterstock, 1621894310)
Have you had a flu vaccination this year?
You might ask, What does that have to do with Basic Judaism?
Getting a flu vaccination if we are able is a mitzvah. It is in fact one of the most urgent commandments, the one known as the preservation of life.
The flu kills. It kills little children and old people. It kills people with compromised immune systems. It kills little babies who are too young to get the vaccine, and people who are too sick to get the vaccine.
It sickens people with whom we may have had only the slightest contact, who are unlucky enough to touch a railing after we have touched it, if we are carrying the flu.
Don’t spread the flu.
The best way we can avoid spreading the flu during flu season is to do two things:
- Get a flu vaccination.
- Wash your hands often and thoroughly.
I’m getting my vaccination tomorrow. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends we get a flu shot during October, well before flu season, so that our bodies have a chance to produce protection against the flu.
The nasal spray vaccine will be available this year, according to the CDC. If needles give you the heebeejeebees, ask if it is an option for you. As for me, I’ll be getting a shot. I hate the flu, and I hate the thought of killing someone with it even more.
Please, please join me in this mitzvah, if your health permits! If your budget and/or insurance do not make allowance for it, read this article and learn where to get a FREE flu vaccination in the USA.
Absolutely, R. Ruth! My 91-year-old house buddy & I are scheduled to get our flu shots early next week. We’re retired nursing school profs, & we wouldn’t dream of skipping our shots. We’ve also had the two anti-pneumonia shots. How lucky we all are, to live in this age of available vaccines!
“Influenza killed about 80,000 people in the 2017-2018 season, according to figures released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The previous high for a regular flu season, based on analyses dating back more than three decades, was 56,000 deaths.Sep 27, 2018”
Flu broke records for deaths, illnesses in 2017-2018, new CDC …
Washington Post › national › 2018/09/26
I have two options: getting the shot at work or thru the local VA Clinic for veterans. They’re free for me at both places. I plan on getting my flu shot in about a week. Thanks for the reminder!
Great!
I just got my flu shot a few days ago!
Good for you!