Influenza Vaccine For 2021
| Flu vaccine for 2021 |
Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine
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How Does The Flu Shot Work Exactly
The influenza vaccine takes two weeks to incubate and build virus-fighting antibodies in your body, says Keri Peterson, MD, an internal medicine doctor at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City and medical advisor to Womens Health. That means youre not protected from the virus for a full 14 days after you get the shot. So your flu-infected neighbors could already have passed the flu on and your vaccine wont do a thing to stop you from getting sick.
Still, that doesn’t mean you should skip the vaccine altogether if you feel like you’re getting your jab late in the season. It could still protect you, and will likely last up to six months.
Some people think if they dont get it by Thanksgiving, its too late, says Dr. Poland. But thats far from the truth. Dr. Peterson is still administering flu shots in her office well into March. And as long as your pharmacy or doctors supply hasnt run out, you can still get a flu shot until May.
The CDC does note that getting a flu shot far in advance of the season, around July or August, is too early, especially for older folks. So you should ideally go in sometime in September or October, and then you can feel confident that you’ll be protected for more of the season.
Still, you shouldn’t think you’ve missed the window. The majority of flu outbreaks in the U.S. happen between February and March, Dr. Poland says, so getting a vaccine after the holidays isn’t pointless by any means.
It’s A Good Idea To Have Flu Vaccination If You Share A House With Children Who Have Long
Flu vaccination is also recommended for people sharing a house with children and young people with long-term medical conditions. The flu spreads rapidly within households and children are particularly efficient spreaders. It may not be free for household members. You could ask your employer about free or subsidised flu vaccinations, as many employers offer this to employees. Flu vaccination is free for some adults, eg, people over 65 years of age or with certain long-term conditions.
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Should I Get My Child Vaccinated
Yes, a flu vaccine offers the best defense against getting the flu and spreading it to others. Children younger than 5 years of age especially those younger than 2 years old are at high risk of serious flu-related complications.
Flu vaccination has been found to reduce deaths in children. A study in Pediatrics was the first of its kind to show that influenza vaccination is effective in preventing influenza-associated deaths among children.
Nationally, a total of 199 pediatric deaths had been reported to CDC during the 2019-2020 season.
Who Can Have The Flu Vaccine
The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS to people who:
- are 50 and over
- have certain health conditions
- are pregnant
- are in long-stay residential care
- receive a carer’s allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
- live with someone who is more likely to get infections
- frontline health or social care workers
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Why You May Still Get Sick After A Flu Shot
Michael Menna, DO, is a board-certified, active attending emergency medicine physician at White Plains Hospital in White Plains, New York.
An annual flu shot offers you the best protection against the influenza virus and is recommended for most individuals 6 months and older. It is still possible for you to get sick after a flu shot, but this isn’t because of what’s in the shot. The flu vaccine is made from killed, or inactivated, viruses that can’t give you the flu.
This article explores the reasons why you may get sick after the flu shot. It will also explain how the vaccine may help reduce symptoms and complications if you do end up getting the flu.
Verywell / Joshua Seong
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
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Where Can I Learn More
More information on the inactivated influenza vaccine, including possible reactions and who should not get the vaccine, can be found in the HealthLinkBC File: Inactivated Influenza Vaccine.
For answers to frequently asked questions about influenza vaccines, visit our FAQ about influenza vaccines page.
Why Do We Need A New Flu Vaccine Every Year
July 7, 2020 By Will Sowards
Millions of people get the flu shot every year.
One of the most frequently asked questions is, Why do I need to have the flu shot each year? Theres also the question of, Why isnt it available in a few doses like other vaccines?
Lets take a closer look at available scientific research to address these questions.
The influenza virus is easily transmitted between people, and creates the possibility of a much worse disease to develop. The flu shot is a vital weapon to protect the population from this highly contagious virus.
The vaccine is important, but why is there a new one every year?
With each new year, scientists determine the many strains of the flu virus. New strains may arise in each year or change because of various mutations and other characteristics. With the different strains, previous serums are ineffective or possibly useless. An old vaccine may no longer target the worst and most common mutations of the flu.
The serum is available in three strains, the trivalent vaccine, or four strains, the quadrivalent vaccine. Protecting against more strains, the quadrivalent vaccine is now the favorite flu shot.
How does the WHO decide which strains should replace another in the vaccine?
The flu shot acts in a similar manner.
The ever-changing influenza virus doesnt allow for that luxury, making a different vaccine necessary every year.
Any other questions about the annual flu shot? Let us know in the comments, or via and .
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When To Get The Flu Vaccine
The flu vaccine is available from early October until late April everyyear.
It will protect you against the most common strains of flu going around eachwinter. As strains of flu change every year, you should get a new flu vaccineevery flu season.
When you get the flu vaccine, your immune system will start to produceantibodies. Then, if you come into contact with the flu virus, these antibodieswill fight it and stop you from getting sick.
The flu vaccine does not contain live viruses this means it cannot giveyou flu.
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.
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Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine
Children 2-17 years of age who are eligible for an influenza vaccine can receive FluMist® Quadrivalent by nasal spray.
The nasal spray vaccine will be available at health units, some pharmacies and some doctors’ offices. Pharmacists will be able to give the nasal spray flu vaccine to children 2 years of age and older. The Influenza Clinic locator will list if a nasal spray vaccine is available at that clinic. Call ahead to confirm. The nasal spray vaccine is not approved for use in those younger than 2 years of age and they should receive their influenza vaccine by needle.
Children Less Than 9 Years Old
Children less than 9 years old getting the flu vaccine for the first time must receive 2 doses of vaccine. The second dose must be given a month after the first. Parents must therefore plan 2 appointments to get their child a flu vaccination.
Indeed, as most vaccines given in childhood, the first injection of the flu vaccine must be followed by a booster dose. The first dose of the vaccine allows the childs immune system to, in a way, get acquainted with the virus and to fight it, but for only a few weeks. The second dose allows the childs immune system to produce more antibodies to fight the virus on a longer term.
It is therefore important that children less than 9 years old getting the flu vaccine for the first time receive the 2 doses of vaccine. The second dose will allow them to be best protected during the entire flu season.
Only children less than 9 years old who have already received the flu vaccine need to receive a single dose of it.
Children from 6 to 23 months old and those who have certain chronic diseases can get vaccinated free of charge under the Flu Vaccination Program.
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What Are The Benefits Of The Flu Vaccination
Getting the flu vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others from getting the flu.
- You are likely to have fewer sick days and fewer days away from work or school.
- Even if you still catch the flu despite having the vaccination, your symptoms are likely to be milder.
- Having a flu vaccine every year can keep older people healthy and active for longer.
- If you are pregnant, it protects you and your baby against the flu.
- Even if you don’t feel sick, without the vaccine you could still be infected with the flu and pass it on to others.
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.
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Can I Get The Flu Vaccine If I’m Breastfeeding
Yes, you can safely have the vaccine if you are breastfeeding. Getting yourself protected can help prevent you becoming infected and passing the flu on to your baby. Breastfeeding may also offer some protection to the baby. However, babies have more protection if you get vaccinated during pregnancy.
Can You Get The Flu After The Flu Shot
Flu season is here. With dropping temperatures and shorter days comes a higher risk of getting the flu. But the risk doesnt stop there. Many people can actually transmit the virus to others a day before they ever show symptoms. The flu may not pose much risk to you, but it might be more dangerous for people around youespecially very young children or older adults.
Each year, scientists determine which strain of the flu is most likely to be common and develop a vaccine specifically for that strain. The flu vaccine uses an inactivated, or dead, form of the virus, so you cant get the flu from the flu shot. It takes about two weeks after getting the shot for the vaccine to be effective.
Its possible to get infected in that two-week period or to be exposed to a different strain of the flu and still come down with it. However, getting the flu shot does reduce both the risk of getting the flu and the severity of the disease, along with helping prevent you from transmitting it to others.
Thats why medical professionals like Bridget Bolterstein, nurse practitioner at Aurora St. Lukes South Shore Medical Center, recommend getting the flu vaccine.
Getting the flu vaccine decreases your chance of getting a severe case and transmitting the disease, said Bolterstein. You could still get the flu after being vaccinated, but youll likely have a much milder case.
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People Who Should Get The Vaccine
Some people are at greater risk from the effects of flu and should get the vaccine when offered it. Theres an increased risk if you:
- are pregnant
- are aged 50 or over, even if you feel fit and healthy
- live in a residential or nursing home
- have an illness or underlying health condition
The annual flu vaccination programme also includes:
- pre-school children aged two years and over
- children at primary school and secondary school
- carers if you care for another person, you should ask your GP if you should be vaccinated so you can continue caring for them
- health and social care workers
- staff in independent care homes, hospices and domiciliary care providers
- close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
When Can You Get Your Flu Vaccine
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Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/flu-vaccine-supply-when-can-you-get-your-vaccination/when-can-you-get-your-flu-vaccine
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Can I Get The Flu Vaccine If I’m Pregnant
Yes, it is strongly recommended that you get the flu vaccine if you are pregnant. It can be given in any trimester. Pregnant women are more likely to get severe complications from the flu than non-pregnant women, and it can be dangerous for their unborn baby too. Protection passed from the mother in pregnancy can protect her newborn as well. The flu vaccine has been proven to have an excellent safety record for both pregnant women and their unborn babies. Read more about pregnancy and immunisation.
Can I Have The Flu Vaccine If I Have Latex Allergy
Fluad Quad, Afluria Quad and Afluria Quad Junior syringes do not have any components made using natural rubber latex.Influvac Tetra syringes do not contain any latex components. However, the manufacturer is unable to confirm that the product did not come in contact with any latex materials during the manufacturing and packaging process.If you are highly sensitive to latex and have had a severe allergic reaction to latex, tell your healthcare provider before getting the flu vaccine.
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Dispelling Misinformation About The Flu Vaccine Sickness Treatment And Recovery
If you’ve ever had the , you know how sick you can be. Chances are good that some of the advice friends and family gave you about avoiding or dealing with the flu was wrong. There seems to be no shortage of misinformation and bad advice when it comes to dealing with the flu and the flu shot.
Here are 10 common myths about the flu.