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More Flu Vaccine Questions and Answers
Why should I get the flu (influenza) vaccine?
The flu (influenza) is a serious disease that can affect people of any age. In an average year, influenza is responsible for more than 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths in the United States. Getting vaccinated is the best form of protection against this disease.
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How long does it take for the flu vaccine to be effective?
About two weeks after vaccination, antibodies that provide protection against influenza infection develop in the body.
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Who should get vaccinated?
Starting with the 2010-11 flu season, everyone 6 months and older is recommended to get a flu vaccine each year.
While everyone should get a flu vaccine each flu season, it's especially important that certain people get vaccinated either because they are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for people at high risk for developing flu-related complications.
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Is the H1N1 vaccine a separate vaccine this year?
No. The 2010-11 Influenza vaccine contains the H1N1 influenza strain. Patients are recommended to only receive one influenza vaccination a year.
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Who is at higher risk for developing flu-related complications?
- Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2,
- Adults 65 and older
- Pregnant women
- People who have medical conditions including, but not limited to, the following:
- Asthma (controlled and mild)
- Chronic lung disease
- Heart disease
- Blood disorders (i.e. sickle cell disease)
- Endocrine disorders (i.e. diabetes mellitus)
- Kidney disorders
- Liver disorders
- Weakened immune system due to disease or medication (such as people with HIV or AIDS, cancer, or those on chronic steroids)
- People younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy
- People with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- People who are morbidly obese (Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or greater)
- People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
- People who live with, or care for, those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
- Health care workers
- Household contacts at high risk for complications from the flu
- Household contacts and caregivers of children younger than 5
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Who should not get the flu vaccine?
Some people should not be vaccinated without first consulting their health care provider. These patients include:
- People who have a severe allergy to chicken or eggs.
- People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past.
- People who developed Guillian-Barré syndrome (GBS) within 6 weeks of getting an influenza vaccine.
- Children younger than 6 months (influenza vaccine is not approved for use in this age group).
- People who have a moderate or severe illness with a fever should wait to get vaccinated until their symptoms lessen.
If you have questions about whether you should get a flu vaccine, consult your health care provider.
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Do I need to get an influenza vaccine every year?
Yes. To be protected from the current circulating influenza viruses, it is recommended that you receive a flu vaccine each year. Influenza viruses change from year to year; therefore, a new vaccine must be created each year, and annual vaccination is necessary.
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When should I get vaccinated?
It is recommended that patients get their flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available. Vaccination before December is best because this timing ensures that protection occurs before flu activity is typically at its highest. . To find out when flu vaccines will be available please call your local S&J Pharmacy store.
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Can I still get influenza after I've received the flu vaccine?
Yes. As with other vaccines, the influenza vaccine is not 100% effective against all influenza viruses, but it still provides the best form of protection. However, individuals who are vaccinated and still contract the flu usually 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 as are individuals who have not received the vaccination.
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Reference: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
For more information, please refer to www.cdc.gov/flu
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