What you should know if you're thinking about getting the flu shot
The flu shot is one of the most important vaccinations for preventing illness each year but there are many misconceptions about it that you should know before you take it this year.
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Who should get the flu vaccination this season?
The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every year. Flu vaccinations are particularly important for people who are at high risk of compilations from influenza including adults 65 years and older, pregnant women, young children, and individuals with chronic health conditions (such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease).
Can the flu vaccine give you the flu?
Flu vaccines cannot cause the flu illness. The flu shot is a vaccine made from an inactivated (killed) virus. Similar to the side effects of other immunizations, the common side effects of the flu shot are: redness/tenderness where the shot was given, low-grade fever, headache, and muscle aches. If these side effects occur, they usually begin within 1-2 days after the shot was given but are not caused by the actual flu illness.
When should you get get the flu shot?
It is important to get the flu vaccine from your primary care doctor before the influenza virus begins spreading in the local community. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the virus.Based on the typical flu season, October tends to be the ideal time to get vaccinated. Getting vaccinated too early (July through August) is associated with reduction protection against influenza last in the flu season, particularly for older adults. Taking the flu shot too late, may not give adequate time for antibodies to develop before potential exposures.
Keep in mind, children younger than 9 years old who are getting vaccinated for the first time need two doses of the flu vaccine, spaced at least 28 days apart.
Did you know?
The flu vaccine saves lives every year. During the 2018-2019 season, the flu vaccination prevented an estimated 4.4 million influenza illnesses, 2.3 million influenza-associated medical visits, 58,000 influenza-associated hospitalizations, and 3.500 influenza-associated deaths.
For your health,
Terry Rimmer, MD
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