Influenza is an infection that affects the respiratory system and can cause serious complications, especially in older adults, young children, and people with certain medical ailments. Getting a flu vaccine is the best way to prevent flu and its complications. This year’s flu shot will protect against 4 influenza viruses that are believed to be rampant this flu season.
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about the influenza vaccine.
When Will the Vaccines Be Available?
It takes about 6 months to make the flu vaccine and availability depends on when manufacturers complete the production. In the US, shipments of vaccines usually begin sometime in August. Doctors and nurses will probably start vaccinating people once supplies arrive in their area. Flu season starts in October and it takes around 2 weeks for the body to build the antibodies. It’s usually best to get the flu vaccine in September and October.
Why Do I Need to Get Vaccinated Yearly?
Flu viruses evolve really fast and the vaccine you received last year may not protect you from this year’s set of influenza viruses. This is the reason manufacturers make new vaccines every year to keep up with rapidly mutating and evolving flu viruses.
Additionally, the antibody levels your immune system produced when you got vaccinated last year may have already weakened.
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
Annual influenza vaccinations are recommended for everyone who is 6 months of age or older. It’s especially important for those at high risk of complications, including:
- Pregnant women
- Young children
- Older adults
- Those with weakened immune systems
A 2017 study showed that the influenza vaccine greatly reduces a child’s risk of dying from flu complications.
Those with the following medical conditions are also at high risk of complications and should really get vaccinated every year:
- Asthma
- Cancer
- HIV/AIDS
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Cystic fibrosis
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Nervous system conditions
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Brain diseases
- Obesity
What are the Delivery Options for the Vaccine?
The flu vaccine is available in the form of nasal spray or injectable. The nasal spray is approved for people between 2 – 49 years old. It is not recommended for pregnant women and those who are taking aspirin or medication that contains salicylate. Young kids who have had asthma or wheezing within 1 year should also not choose this delivery option. The injectable option on the other hand is usually given in the arm. You may choose a jet injector device to deliver the vaccine to your body, which does not use needle but instead uses a high-pressure stream of fluid.
How Effective is the Flu Vaccine?
The effectiveness of the flu vaccine can vary but it is generally more effective among individuals who are under 65. Older people as well as those with certain medical issues may have less immunity.
Previous studies have found that the vaccine is about 50% – 60% effective in healthy individuals between 18 – 64. But even when the vaccine is not 100% effective, it may still lessen any illness or complications that develop from the flu.
Get your CVS flu shot to reduce your risk of the flu and protect you from potential complications.