The Flu Vaccine- is it for you?

Influenza, aka “the flu,” is caused by viruses that infect the respiratory tract.  It differs from a cold in that it can be more severe and even fatal to those who are at an increased risk of complications.  Each year, the influenza virus changes slightly, which is why a flu shot is needed every single year, as the component of the shot itself must be altered as well.

There are 2 types of vaccines available.

• The “flu shot”— it is an inactivated virus that is given by a needle usually in the arm.  This shot is approved for use in people older than 6 months, and both  healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions.

• The nasal-spray flu vaccine — a vaccine made with live but weakened flu virus, but it can not give you the flu.  It is called LAIV (FluMist®)and it is approved for use in healthy people 2-49 years of age who are not pregnant.

People that may be at higher risk and are strongly encoraged to get this vaccine are:

1. Children aged 6 months up to their 19th birthday
2. Pregnant women
3. People 50 years of age and older
4. People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
5. People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
6. People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
   a.   Health care workers
   b.   Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
   c.   Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)

*CDC.GOV recommendations

Individuals that should not be vaccinated-

There are some people who should not be vaccinated without first consulting a physician. These include

• People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs.
• People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination.
• Children less than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for this age group), and
• People who have a moderate-to-severe illness with a fever (they should wait until they recover to get vaccinated.)

*CDC.GOV recommendation

The myth that you can get the flu just by getting the shot is just that- a  myth.  The only adverse reactions are pain at the injection site and slight possible mild symptoms of a cold.

September is the beginning of vaccination season and months thereafter.  Here are some sites that can provide additional information included sites that offer flu shots.

http://www.flucliniclocator.org/

http://www.flusource.com/index.jsp

Stay healthy this winter and get your vaccine!!