Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine
The single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year.
There are two types of vaccines –
o the “flu shot” – an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. The flu shot is approved for use in people older than 6 months, including healthy people and people with chronic health conditions.
o the nasal-spray flu vaccine - a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses that don’t cause the flu (sometimes called LAIV for “live attenuated influenza vaccine” or FluMist ). LAIV (FluMist ) is approved for use in healthful
o people 2-49 years of age who are not pregnant.
Each vaccine contains three influenza viruses-one A (H3N2) virus, one A (H1N1) virus, and one B virus. The viruses in the vaccine change yearly based on international surveillance and researchers’ estimations about which kinds and strains of viruses will circulate in a given year.
About 2 weeks after vaccination, antibodies that provide protection against flu virus infection create in the body.
When to Get Vaccinated
Annually flu vaccination should start in September or as soon as vaccine is available and continue throughout the influenza season, into December, January, and beyond. This is because the timing and duration of influenza seasons vary. While influenza outbreaks can happen as early as October, most of the time influenza activity peaks in January or later.
Who Should Get Vaccinated
In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated. Nonetheless, it’s recommended by ACIP that certain people ought to get vaccinated each year.
They are either individuals who are at high risk of having serious flu complications or individuals who live with or care for those at high risk for serious complications. During flu seasons when vaccine supplies are limited or delayed, ACIP makes recommendations regarding priority groups for vaccination.
People who ought to get vaccinated annually are –
1. Children aged 6 months up to their 19th birthday
2. Pregnant women
3. Individuals 50 years of age and older
4. People of any age with certain chronic health 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 kids less than 6 months of age (these kids are too young to be vaccinated)
Use of the Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine
It ought to be noted that vaccination with the nasal-spray flu vaccine is always an option for healthy
o individuals 2-49 years of age who are not pregnant.
Who Should Not Be Vaccinated
There are some people who shouldn’t be vaccinated without first consulting a doctor. These include
o People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs.
o Individuals who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination.
o People who created Guillain-Barr