How long does it take for the flu shot to be effective?
About two weeks after vaccination, antibodies that provide protection against influenza infection develop in the body.
Who should get a flu shot?
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is currently recommending that everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine this season. In general, it is recommended that anyone who wants to reduce his or her chances of getting the flu or spreading the flu should be vaccinated. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that these high-risk groups of people receive a flu shot:
- All persons, including school-age children, who want to reduce the risk of becoming ill with influenza or of transmitting influenza to others
- All children age 6 months to 18 years of age
- All persons age 50 years and older
- Children and adolescents (age 6 months to 18 years) who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and who therefore might be at risk for developing Reye syndrome after an influenza virus infection
- Women who will be pregnant during the influenza season
- Adults and children who have chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular (except hypertension), renal, hepatic, hematological, or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus)
Adults and children who have immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV) - Adults and children who have any condition that can compromise respiratory function or the handling of respiratory secretions, or that can increase the risk for aspiration (for example, cognitive dysfunction, spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders, or other neuromuscular disorders)
- Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities
Healthcare personnel - Household contacts and caregivers of children up to 5 years of age, and adults 50 years and older
- Household contacts and caregivers of persons with medical conditions that put them at higher risk for severe complications from influenza
Who should not get a flu shot?
Certain individuals should not be vaccinated without first consulting a healthcare professional. These people include:
- Those with a severe allergy to chicken eggs
- Those with allergies to certain medications and preservatives, including certain antibiotics and Thimerosal (preservative)
- Those who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past
- Those who have Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) within six weeks of getting a flu vaccine previously
- Those who have a moderate or severe illness with a fever should wait until they recover before getting flu shot
Do I need to get a flu shot every year?
Yes. Influenza (flu) viruses change from year to year; therefore, a new vaccination must be created each year, and annual immunization is necessary.
When should I get a flu shot?
Yearly flu shots begin as soon as the vaccine is available. Flu shots are available at Lab Doctor right now.
Can I still get the flu after I’ve received a flu shot?
Yes. As with other immunizations, the flu shot is not 100% effective against all influenza viruses, but it still provides the best form of protection. Individuals who are vaccinated but still contract the flu generally get a milder case of influenza than they would have had they not been vaccinated. The vaccine takes effect two weeks after it has been administered; therefore, during this time you may be susceptible to influenza just like individuals who have not received the vaccination.
Can pregnant women get a flu shot?
Yes – we can administer flu shots to pregnant women in all three trimesters. Delaware and Missouri require pregnant women to receive a preservative-free vaccine.