It’s Not Too Late for Your Flu Vaccine!
Still haven’t received your flu vaccine yet? It’s not too late.
You can still receive protection for yourself – as well as family members – from several of this year’s common strains of influenza. But, no more procrastinating please. Time is nearly up for receiving the maximum benefits from this year’s vaccine. Check with our pharmacy today. Just click here to find the most convenient location for you.
Protect Yourself and Others
Receiving the vaccine – whether as a shot or by a nasal spray – can be a critical decision for those who either 1) fall within certain categories (see below) or 2) anyone who finds themselves at high risk for the flu.
Influenza, or the flu (as it is commonly called), is usually characterized by sudden fever, muscle aches, headache, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion and tiredness. The symptoms may last several days and may lead to more serious complications, such as pneumonia.
Advice from the CDC
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), the influenza vaccine is the most effective way to prevent influenza. Research indicates that an annual vaccination decreases the chance of acquiring the flu by 80% or more. The CDC also adds that there is a reduced risk of ear infections in those children (age 20-27 months) who get a flu shot.
The CDC recommends that all individuals in the following categories receive the vaccine each year:
- health care providers
- children 6 months–4 years
- individuals 50 years or older
- individuals from 6 months–18 years who take long-term aspirin therapy
- females who will be pregnant during the flu season
- adults and children with chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, hematological or metabolic disorders (including diabetes)
- adults and children who are immunocompromised
- adults and children with any seizure disorder or condition that can compromise respiratory function or increase risk of aspiration
- residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities
Although nearly three quarters of the U. S. population qualifies for one of these categories, the CDC reports that only about one third of Americans actually received the influenza vaccine in 2006-2007.
To learn more, visit the CDC’s Seasonal Flu Web Site.
About the Flu Vaccine
The influenza vaccine is available in three forms: inactivated (killed) trivalent split-virus vaccine for children; inactivated whole vaccine for children less than 12 years old and adults; and a live, attenuated virus for healthy, non-pregnant individuals 5-49 years old. (Although flu shots can be given to children six months or younger – our stores only immunize adults 18 years or older.)
The most common side effects of the vaccine include mild injection-site reactions (soreness and/or redness); runny nose or nasal congestion; headache; and sore throat. These side effects are most common with the live vaccine.
Influenza protection usually starts about two weeks after receiving the vaccine. Although the ideal time to receive your vaccine is October through mid-November, it can still be given throughout the flu season (which usually lasts until April.)
When getting the influenza vaccine, you should consider getting the pneumonia vaccine at the same time if you are at high risk of pneumonia or are over 65 and have not received the pneumonia vaccine in the past five years.
Whether you schedule an appointment to receive a vaccine from one of our trained pharmacists or attend a flu shot clinic, make arrangements today so that you will be protected from the flu through the rest of this winter and early spring.
So, take care of yourself. When you visit me in our Pharmacy, I want to see a smile on your face!
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