by Charley Greenberg, Pharm.D.
No, it’s not foolproof. But an annual flu vaccine is a great way to insure against the flu. The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine each year. It’s designed to protect against the three or four flu viruses most likely to cause illness during the upcoming flu season.
For most people, a flu vaccine can protect you throughout the flu season, which typically lasts from October to May. The best policy is to get vaccinated as soon as the vaccine becomes available, usually in October or November.
For young kids. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests the nasal spray vaccine for healthy children ages 2 through 8. For young children, it may work better than the flu shot (and be a little less scary, too). But if it’s not available early in the flu season, don’t wait. Go ahead with the flu shot.
Remember: even healthy children are at risk of flu complications that are serious enough to land them in the hospital. Signs of pneumonia include chest pain and fast, difficult breathing.
If you’re pregnant. In recent years, several studies have shown that the flu vaccine is safe and effective, no matter your stage of pregnancy. The flu shot protects both you and your baby. In fact, it is much more dangerous not to be vaccinated. In addition to pneumonia, the flu can lead to premature labor and other complications.
If you’re pregnant, just given birth, or are breast-feeding, however, don’t get the live (nasal mist) vaccine. You should have an inactivated version instead.3
If you’re over 65. As you age, the flu vaccine may not last as well as it does in younger, healthier people. If you’re over 65 or have a weaker immune system, you may not create as many antibodies. And, your antibody levels may drop more quickly.
A recent study has found that a high-dose flu shot is more effective in seniors than the standard dose. Approved for people 65 and older, the Fluzone High-Dose vaccine contains four times as much as the standard dose. With its use, the researchers believe that about 25 percent of flu cases in seniors could be prevented.
The CDC doesn’t recommend this vaccine for all seniors, though. Be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist to see if it’s right for you or someone your love.
Where to get a flu vaccine. You can always see your doctor or go to a health clinic. Most pharmacies now offer vaccinations on site for adults 18 and over which can be given by a Certified Pharmacist Immunizer. At Reliant Medical Pharmacy we will bill your insurance and give you the vaccination on the spot without an appointment, usually in less than 15 minutes. Stop in your local pharmacy or come see us today and stay healthy this flu season!
Other ways to stay healthy—and keep others healthier—throughout flu season:
- Wash your hands regularly.
- Stay away from sick people—as much as possible.
- If you come down with the flu, stay home. After all, your productivity won’t matter as much if you make everyone at your workplace sick!
About the Author:
Charley is the Pharmacy Manager at Reliant Medical Pharmacy 4114 Union Rd Cheektowaga, NY. He is a 2007 graduate of UB School of Pharmacy. Reliant Medical is a division of the locally owned McGuire Group Pharmacy Corp.
