How To Book Your Appointment
If you’re eligible for a free flu vaccine, you can book an appointment at your GP surgery or a pharmacy that offers it on the NHS.
You may also get an invitation to get the vaccine, but you do not have to wait for this before booking an appointment.
Everyone who is eligible for the free flu vaccine will be able to get it.
GP surgeries and pharmacies get the flu vaccine in batches. If you cannot get an appointment straight away, ask if you can book an appointment for when more vaccines are available.
If you have an appointment for a COVID-19 booster vaccine at a GP surgery or pharmacy, you may also be offered a flu vaccine at the same time.
Do not delay booking your flu vaccine appointment so that you can get both vaccines together. Only some people will be offered both vaccines at the same time.
Do I Need The Flu Vaccine If I Am Travelling
Whether or not you are at high risk for the complications of flu, you should consider getting a flu vaccination before travelling overseas because studies have shown that the flu is the most commonly contracted vaccine-preventable disease among international travellers.
- Flu outbreaks have been linked to travellers.
- Certain types of travel where large numbers of people are likely to be in close proximity, such as cruise ship voyages or events that include mass gatherings, are particularly high risk.
- In tropical countries, the flu can occur throughout the year, so vaccination is worthwhile regardless of the season.
- In temperate climates in the northern hemisphere, the flu is more common between the months of December and March.
When Should I Get Vaccinated
The flu season ranges roughly from October-March. Because the flu vaccine takes about two weeks to fully protect you from viral antibodies, we recommend you try to get vaccinated by the end of October. However, if youve yet to get your vaccination this year, its not too late!
We understand there are many questions about vaccines, especially the flu vaccine, and we always encourage our patients to ask any questions they may have. Call East Meadow Medical P.C. today to schedule your vaccination, or use the online booking tool. Its important not just for yourself, but also for those around you!
You Might Also Enjoy…
Read Also: Tdap Vaccine Cvs
The Flu Shot Might Be Even More Crucial For The 2019
Flu season in Australia hits before the U.S.’s, serving as an indication of what we can expect. And this year’s flu season is looking especially brutal. In Australia, where flu season is starting to wind down, they experienced the highest number of confirmed flu cases in history over 270,000, compared to about 60,000 in 2018.
The medical community in the United States is bracing itself for the flu to hit hard here. You can do your part and stay safe by getting vaccinated.
Now that you know what the flu vaccine is made out of, head to your nearest vaccine center to get the shot or talk to your doctor about what’s right for you.
If you’re in the Las Vegas areas, there’s an easy solution to all your vaccination needs. e7 Health offers flu vaccinations tailored to every age group. If you would like more information on getting vaccinated against influenza, contact us today for help or to schedule an appointment at the location nearest you.
The Flu Vaccine Contains Several Viral Strains
The CVVs are mostly grown and cultivated in either fertilized hen eggs or egg-free cell cultures.
No matter the year, the flu vaccine is designed to protect against three to four flu viruses in circulation. That’s because there are different types of flu caused by different viral strains.
The most common are flu types A and B, which is why each year the flu vaccine contains strains of both types A and B viruses. For example, the vaccine for the 2019-20 flu season in the US contains strains of H1N1 and H3N2 which both cause flu type A and two flu type B strains, called B/Victoria and B/Yamagata.
Getting all those different viruses to coexist in one place is where the hen eggs and cell cultures come in.
Each viral strain is either injected into an egg or added to cell culture. Then the viruses are given a few days to replicate and grow, just as if they were inside a person.
All the while, the eggs and cultures are handled under sterilized conditions. For instance, the egg yolks are inoculated with viruses under ultraviolet light and in an area absent of dust and other contaminants.
After a few days, the eggs and cultures are teaming with flu viruses, which means it’s time to extract them. After extraction, those viruses are then killed or weakened for the vaccine, at which point a small number of stabilizers and preservatives are added to prevent contamination and keep the vaccine stable after manufacturing.
Don’t Miss: Does Cvs Give Tdap Shots
Main Ingredients In An Influenza Vaccine
Influenza Viruses: It may seem counterproductive, but the vaccine contains small amounts of the viruses it protects against. The influenza viruses contained in the shot are pandemic A , influenza A , and one or two influenza B strains. Some vaccines contain three viruses or all four . Having the viruses in the vaccine, helps trigger a persons immune system to produce antibodies to fight against the virus. The exact viruses included in the vaccine can differ slightly from year to year in order to provide the greatest chance of efficacy.
Formaldehyde: Toxic and potentially lethal in higher doses, the amount of formaldehyde found in flu vaccines is so small that it is harmless. Formaldehydes role in the vaccine is to make toxins from viruses and bacteria inactive so that they do not contaminate the vaccine during production.
Thimerosal: A preservative that helps keep the vaccine free of bacterial and fungal contamination that could otherwise thrive in in a multi-dose vial. The benefit of our practice is that Heritage uses syringes instead of Multidose vials so the vaccines we provide are FREE from preservatives. Made of an organic form of mercury , thimerosal is safe and typically only remains in the blood for a few days. Since our Vaccines DO NOT carry this preservative there is no worry about being exposed to this substance.
Can Flu Vaccination Make My Child Sick
Most people have no reaction to flu vaccination. Anyone can have flu vaccination except people who have had a previous severe allergic reaction to flu vaccination in the past. Your child may have one or more of the following responses after the vaccination:
- soreness, redness or swelling where the vaccine was given
- fever
These are usually mild and only last 1 or 2 days.
Also Check: Does Cvs Do Tdap Shots
How Is The Flu Vaccine Made Is It Safe
Posted: October 11, 2013
From AAA& I
In last weeks blog you were informed that getting the vaccine does not guarantee that you will not get sick but why? First of all, there are many strains of the influenza virus. If you do get the flu shot but come into contact with an influenza strain that was not in that seasons flu vaccine, the vaccine does not protect you against it. The vaccination only protects against 3-4 of the common influenza strains. Anyone with a chronic illness, the elderly, and very young children have weaker immune systems. As a result of their weaker immune system these individuals may not produce the same desired immune response to the vaccine as a healthy adult, and as a result are still at risk of getting the flu. That being said however, the immunity that they do get from receiving the vaccine is still better than not receiving the flu shot at all. By receiving the flu vaccine the chronically ill, elderly and very young may be able to prevent the virus from causing more damage it could have otherwise caused if they were not vaccinated.
A little about the virus
What is in the vaccine and how is it made?
Make sure to check out next weeks blog that clears up some of the common myths about the flu and the flu vaccine!
From Health Services Student Nurses Thomas and Alexis
Flu Facts: What Is The Flu Shot Made Out Of
With 9.8-11.4 million flu illnesses reported from October 8, 2018, through January 19, 2019, alone, getting a yearly flu shot has become more important than ever. But if you’ve ever asked someone, “What is the flu shot made out of?” only to be met with a baffled shrug, keep reading.
We’ll explain what the flu shot is, how effective it is, and who should get it each flu season .
Don’t Miss: Cvs Tetanus
Delivery Of The Flu Shot In 2021
Not all flu shots are the same. Some arent even shots. Here are your 2021 flu vaccine options:
Nasal Spray: The nasal spray vaccine is the only kind to include a live attenuated influenza vaccine. Although it cant give you the flu, it does have a higher likelihood of inducing flu-like symptoms. This vaccine does not contain thimerosal or other preservatives. Its available only for patients aged 2 to 49.
For: People who cant stand the needle or jet spray or who want to avoid preservatives.
Inactivated shots are usually given with a needle, but Afluria Quadrivalent can be given to adults with a jet injector, which is basically a high-powered spray that penetrates the skin.
For: Needles can be used for everyone aged 6 months and older. The jet spray is approved for adults aged 18 to 64.
What Are The Side Effects Of Influenza Vaccine
Like all medicines, the flu vaccine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.
| Side effects | |
|---|---|
|
|
You May Like: How Much Is Tdap Vaccine At Cvs
Can I Have The Flu Vaccine If I Have An Allergy To Egg
Yes, the brands of the flu vaccine for the 2021 flu season can be given to people with egg allergy. Studies have shown that flu vaccines containing one microgram or less of ovalbumin do not trigger anaphylaxis in sensitive people. The residual ovalbumin in one dose of the flu vaccine for the 2021 is below this limit.
People At High Risk Of Complications From The Flu
- people with health conditions, such as:
- cancer and other immune compromising conditions
- diabetes
- kidney disease
- neurological or neurodevelopmental conditions
- children up to 18 years of age undergoing treatment for long periods with acetylsalicylic acid
Recommended Reading: Where To Get Tdap Vaccine Cvs
Southern Hemisphere Influenza Season
The composition of virus vaccines for use in the 2018 Southern Hemisphere influenza season recommended by the World Health Organization on September 28, 2017, was:
- an A/Michigan/45/2015 pdm09-like virus
- an A/Singapore/INFIMH-16-0019/2016 -like virus
- a B/Phuket/3073/2013-like virus
The WHO recommended that quadrivalent vaccines containing two influenza B viruses should contain the above three viruses and a B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus.
Flu Vaccine And Covid
Flu vaccination is important because:
- more people are likely to get flu this winter as fewer people will have built up natural immunity to it during the COVID-19 pandemic
- if you get flu and COVID-19 at the same time, research shows you’re more likely to be seriously ill
- getting vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 will provide protection for you and those around you for both these serious illnesses
Recommended Reading: How Much Does A Tdap Shot Cost At Cvs
Talking To Your Doctor
Its always a good idea to talk with your doctor, especially if you havent gotten the flu vaccine before or if your health has changed. If you have an allergy or other condition that might make the vaccine risky for you, check with your doctor before getting vaccinated.
Here are a few questions to ask your doctor:
- Is there any reason why I shouldnt get the flu vaccine?
- What side effects might it cause?
- What should I do if I have side effects?
- Should I get the flu shot or nasal mist?
The flu vaccine is considered safe. You cant catch the flu from the vaccine, because the virus in the vaccine has been killed or weakened.
The live vaccine isnt recommended for people with weaker immune systems.
Effect On Other Diseases And The Pharmacy Trade
There was a report on 3 March 2021, that social distancing and common wearing of surgical masks and similar as a common precaution against COVID-19 caused a drop in the spread rate of the common cold and flu. So much so, that in Britain the sale of cough liquids and throat lozenges and from 30 November 2020 to 21 February 2021, was about a half of the sale a year earlier. Public Health England reported no cases of flu in the year 2021 to date, and that there was an 89% rise in sales of Vitamin D to try to boost immunity.
Recommended Reading: Cvs Tdap Vaccine
The Flu Shot Is Effective
The effectiveness of the vaccine varies from season to season. It depends on:
- how well the vaccine matches with the circulating flu viruses
- the health and age of the person getting the flu shot
The viruses circulating in the population can sometimes change during the time it takes to produce a vaccine. When this happens during the flu season, the flu shot may not work as well as expected.
It’s also important to remember that the flu shot protects against several different flu viruses each season. The seasonal flu shot can still provide protection against the remaining 2 or 3 viruses, even when theres:
- a less-than-ideal match
- lower effectiveness against one virus
If you do get the flu, the flu shot may reduce the severity of flu-related complications.
Getting your flu shot is still the most effective way to protect yourself against the flu and flu-related complications.
Why The Flu Vaccine Is Reformulated Every Year
Welcome to National Influenza Vaccination Week, established in 2005 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to promote vaccination awareness to the general public. In that spirit, Dr. Sebeen Razzaq-Ahmed and the team here at East Meadow Medical P.C. remind you to get your annual flu vaccine. You may be one of the many people we hear ask why they need to get vaccinated each year. Well, were here to answer that for you!
Its no secret that influenza, commonly called the flu, is inconvenient, nasty, and downright deadly. The 2017-2018 flu season was among the worst on record, afflicting and killing more Americans about 80,000 than in any season dating back more than three decades. Because the flu is so common, not to mention so deadly, we always recommend that anyone whos able to gets an updated vaccine each year.
Recommended Reading: Tdap Shot Cvs
Route Of Vaccine Delivery
Another approach being explored to increase the immunogenicity of influenza vaccines is to differentially stimulate the immune system through alternative delivery routes. Such an approach in terms of influenza vaccine delivery is intradermal inoculation, with the rationale of engaging the abundant pool of professional antigen-presenting cells in the skin. APCs are efficient at capturing and processing antigens for subsequent presentation in the lymphoid organs, resulting in stimulation of both innate and adaptive immunity . In some cases, i.d. vaccines performed better than the conventional intramuscular or subcutaneous vaccines in stimulating a robust immune response . This approach is especially relevant for the elderly, since in two head-to-head studies, i.d. vaccines were superior to i.m. vaccines in terms of immunogenicity in the elderly . Initial reports on the i.d. delivery of the influenza vaccine in healthy adults showed that it was as efficacious as i.m. vaccines in stimulating an antibody response, even with only half the standard dose of HA . A systematic review of clinical studies with i.d. vaccines showed that most studies reported comparable immunogenicity between reduced doses of i.d. vaccines and standard i.m. vaccines , suggesting that i.d. vaccination could provide a dose-sparing strategy.
Groups Who Should Especially Get The Vaccine
The flu shot can protect you against the flu. Because of this, it can reduce your chances of being infected with COVID-19 and the flu at the same time. This can lead to serious complications. You should especially receive the flu vaccine this season if youre:
- at high risk of severe COVID-19 related illness
- capable of spreading the flu to those at high risk of severe illness related to COVID-19
The flu vaccine is especially important for the following groups.
Read Also: Tdap At Cvs
How Does The Flu Vaccine Work
The flu vaccine helps your body protect itself against the flu. It works by training your immune system on how to fight the flu virus.
The immune system is like a defense system, with white blood cells as soldiers. Typically, if germs enter the body, white blood cells recognize them as bad guys. This is because germs carry proteins antigens that are different from normal body cell proteins. In response, white blood cells start making defense proteins antibodies. These antibodies help white blood cells destroy the germs.
Making the right antibodies can take a few days. In the meantime, the germs keep making you sick. In most cases, the immune system clears the infection and retires the antibodies except for a few stored as a memory for future infections.
Vaccines work by harnessing our bodys natural defense system. A vaccine contains a harmless amount of a virus or bacteria. By introducing it into the body, the immune system learns to make and store antibody memory against it.