Flu Vaccinations: What You Need to Know

The flu vaccine is the most effective way to protect yourself and your family from the flu, and given influenza activity often begins to increase in October and November, there’s no better time to get the vaccine than now. But before you roll up your sleeve, here are a few things you need to know about this year’s vaccine.

Vaccination Guidelines

With every flu season comes a new vaccination developed to better ward off the three or four prevailing strains of the influenza virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pregnant women, young children, older adults and those with certain chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes and heart disease are at increased risk of developing serious flu-related complications, so getting a yearly flu vaccine is especially important.

This season, due to concerns over the effectiveness of the nasal spray flu vaccine, the CDC is recommending only injectable vaccinations. Furthermore, the CDC’s recommendations for vaccination of people with egg allergies have changed:

· Those with a history of egg allergy who have experienced only hives after exposure to egg should receive the flu vaccine

· Those who report having had reactions to egg involving symptoms other than hives, such as respiratory distress or lightheadedness; or who required epinephrine or another emergency medical intervention, may similarly receive the flu vaccine. Vaccine administration should take place in a medical setting and supervised by a health care provider who is able to recognize and manage severe allergic conditions.

· A previous severe allergic reaction to the flu vaccine, regardless of the component suspected of being responsible for the reaction, is a contraindication to future receipt of the vaccine.

For additional information regarding those with egg allergies, refer to the CDC’s online guide.

When to Get Vaccinated

According to the CDC, everyone six months and older should get a flu vaccine yearly, by the end of October, since the vaccine takes two weeks to properly take effect. This year’s shot has already been made widely available across the nation, including at urgent care centers. With flu season rapidly approaching, every day makes a difference.

Common Side Effects

Side effects of the traditional flu shot include swelling, redness around the injection site, low-grade fever and muscle aches. These symptoms are common and indicate the body’s immune system adapting to the vaccine and creating antibodies to fight off any intruding flu viruses. It is important to carefully monitor these symptoms in your children, and, should they worsen, consult your physician or the nearest urgent care center.

With this year’s flu season right around the corner, it’s important to take all the necessary steps to keep you and your family healthy. Getting this year’s flu vaccination could keep you on your feet and in the game at work, school, and play this winter without skipping a beat.