Flu Vaccine 2017
The best defense against the flu is getting your family vaccinated. Viruses do change, as seen in years past, so it’s important to get a flu vaccine annually. This year’s flu vaccine has four strains (quadrivalent) of flu virus, two A (H1N1 and H3N2) and two B (Phuket/Yamagata and Brisbane/Victoria lineage).
When should you get vaccinated?
Since flu season is so unpredictable, the CDC recommends getting vaccinated as soon as the vaccine is available.
Who should get vaccinated?
Everyone! It’s especially important that children under 5 and particularly those younger than 2, adults age 65 and older, and pregnant women get vaccinated. Since babies under 6 months old are unable to get vaccinated for the flu, anyone that comes in contact with your baby should get a flu vaccine (siblings, parents, grandparents, aunts uncles, daycare providers). Babies under 6 months have a harder time fighting off infection and are at high risk to complications from the flu.
Should I get the mist or the injectable flu vaccine?
Flumist will not be offered again this year. When Flumist was first released it showed a better immune response than the injectable vaccine. However, in recent years, research shows a decline in immunity.
Will I get the flu from the vaccine?
No. A few patients may experience side effects, runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, or pain at the injection site, which may be mistaken for the flu. If you experience flu-like symptoms, most likely, you’ve been exposed to another non-flu virus shortly before receiving the vaccine.
Does the flu vaccine work right away?
Once vaccinated, your body starts making an immune response. It takes two to four weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop and provide protection against the flu.
A few patients may experience side effects after getting a flu vaccine. However, when compared to a bad case of the flu, they are generally mild. Don’t wait until flu season is here. Get vaccinated today!
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For more detailed information:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/vaccineeffect.htm
