10 Facts About the Flu Vaccine

With flu season in full swing, it’s important to know some basic facts about the flu vaccine and the options available to you and your family. As with any vaccine, it’s best to discuss your medical history and any concerns you may have with your physician before getting the vaccine.

* The Center for Disease Control confirms that you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. If you do come down with the flu after getting the vaccine, you were probably already exposed to it.

* Flu vaccines are made with the profile of the three strains of influenza that are thought will be the most common during the upcoming flu season.

* You should not get the vaccine if you have a fever, are under six months of age, or have a severe allergy to chicken eggs or have had an allergic reaction to the flu vaccine before. The American Academy of Pediatrics Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children, 2011-2012 Committee on Infectious Diseases, however, states that “most children presumed to have egg allergy can safely receive influenza vaccine in the office without need for an allergy consultation.”

* It is advised that children between six months and two years of age are get the flu shot because they are at particular risk. Children under the age of five are also considered good candidates for the vaccine.

* Side effects from the traditional (injected) influenza vaccine include soreness, redness at the site of the vaccine, low-grade fever and achiness. Side effects from the nasal influenza vaccine may have more side effects, such as runny nose, headaches, vomiting, coughing and muscle aches.

* The CDC recommends that pregnant women receive the vaccine unless their doctor advises against it. This population is at a higher risk for complications from the vaccine than are other women, and influenza may cause serious problems for their unborn children, which may include pre-term delivery.

* The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all health care workers should get the vaccine, as should those who work closely with any at-risk group.

* Flu vaccines are still available in most areas. Vaccines are distributed shortly before the school year starts and may continue being given until October, or until the supply runs out.

* Those individuals with a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome are advised against getting the flu vaccine.

* An intradermal flu vaccine was introduced for this year’s flu season. It’s different in that, instead of being injected into the muscle, it’s injected just under the skin through a super-thin needle. It’s a single-dose injection and contains inactive influenza (killed viruses), just the same as a regular influenza vaccine. It is only available for adults and is not recommended for pregnant women.


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