Every fall, your doctor or pharmacist probably asks you if you want a flu shot. This important vaccination can prevent you from getting the flu and reduce the chance of spreading it to others. Read on to learn who should get a flu shot and how it can help you stay healthy during flu season.
What is the Flu Vaccine?
The flu vaccine is an injection that contains inactivated flu virus or viral components designed to stimulate an immune response without causing illness. After vaccination it takes about two weeks to build antibodies that help protect you during the fall and winter flu season.
What Does the Flu Shot Protect Against?
Influenza is a respiratory infection that can cause serious complications, including hospitalization or death in high-risk people. Each seasonal vaccine is formulated to protect against several flu strains that experts expect will circulate, including strains related to H1N1.
Why do you Need an Annual Vaccination?
Flu viruses change frequently, so last year’s vaccine may not protect against this year’s strains. In addition, flu antibodies decrease over time, so an annual vaccination helps restore protection for the coming season.
Where is the Flu Vaccine Available?
You can get a flu shot from your physician, pharmacy, community health clinic, urgent care center, or a college health center, and many workplaces offer on-site vaccination clinics. In many cases, the vaccine is covered by health insurance; for related insurance topics see Fluid Milk Insurance.
Check your plan or workplace benefits before you go, and if you need assistance with an insurance-related question, you can ask your agent.
Who Should get a Flu Shot?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the flu vaccine for everyone aged six months and older. Vaccination is especially important for people at higher risk of severe flu complications.
- Asthma
- Cancer
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Cystic fibrosis
- Diabetes
- HIV/AIDS
- Liver or kidney disease
- Obesity
Pregnant women, older adults, and young children are also among groups that benefit most from vaccination. When you protect yourself, you also reduce the chance of passing flu to family, coworkers, and people who are medically vulnerable.
Should Anyone not get a Flu Shot?
Most people can safely receive the flu vaccine, but discuss it with your doctor if you have a history of a severe allergic reaction to a previous flu vaccine or a severe egg allergy. Your clinician can recommend the appropriate vaccine type or provide alternatives when needed.
Now that you know more about who should get a flu vaccine and where to get one, you can make an informed decision when offered a shot this season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should skip the flu vaccine?
People who have had a severe allergic reaction to a prior flu vaccine or who have certain severe allergies should consult their physician before getting vaccinated.
When is the best time to get a flu shot?
Getting vaccinated in early fall, before flu activity increases, is recommended so you have protection throughout the season; however, vaccination later in the season can still be beneficial.
Can pregnant women get the flu vaccine?
Yes, pregnant people are recommended to get the flu shot as it protects both the parent and the baby and reduces the risk of severe illness.
What are common side effects of the flu shot?
Common side effects include mild soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, or muscle aches that usually resolve in a day or two.