Influenza vaccines, or "flu shots," provide protection against the four influenza virus strains predicted to be the most widespread each season.
The CDC advises that any licensed flu vaccine suitable for your age can be used for flu prevention. These options include:
1. Flu Shots (Injectable Vaccines):
Inactivated Influenza Vaccines (IIV): Flu shots made from viruses that have been inactivated (killed).
Recombinant Influenza Vaccine (RIV): A flu shot developed without the use of actual influenza viruses.
2. Nasal Spray Vaccine:
Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV): A nasal spray containing live but weakened flu viruses.
All these vaccines are effective, and the choice can depend on age, health conditions, or personal preferences.
Who should get the vaccine
Adults more than 65 years of age
Adults with certain chronic health conditions like Diabetes, Asthma, COPD, People who had Stroke, Heart Disease, Cancer, HIV/AIDS,
Pregnant women
Children younger than 2 years old
People with Body Mass Index (BMI) more than and equal to 40
People with Chronic Kidney Disease
People with Liver diseases
Who should not get the vaccine
Children younger than 6 months old
People with life-threatening allergies to any ingredient in a vaccine
People with a history of Guillain-Barré Syndrome
People who can get a nasal spray flu vaccine: The nasal spray vaccine is approved for people 2 through 49 years of age. Many people in this age group can receive the nasal spray vaccine. The nasal spray vaccine is not recommended for some groups, such as people who are pregnant and people with some medical conditions.
Why one should take the vaccine
Flu can range from mild to severe and, in some cases, can even be fatal. Usually, flu symptoms are fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, malaise, headache. Most people who get the flu recover in a few days to 14 days, some individuals may develop complications from the flu, such as pneumonia, which can be serious and even life-threatening. Flu can lead to a range of complications. Moderate complications include sinus and ear infections, while more serious issues can arise, such as pneumonia, which may result from the flu virus alone or in combination with bacterial infections. Other serious complications include inflammation of the heart (myocarditis), brain (encephalitis), and muscles (myositis, rhabdomyolysis), as well as multi-organ failure, such as respiratory or kidney failure.
The flu can also trigger a severe inflammatory response in the body, potentially leading to sepsis, a life-threatening condition. Additionally, for those with chronic medical conditions, flu can exacerbate symptoms; for instance, individuals with asthma might experience increased attacks, and those with chronic heart disease may see a worsening of their condition.
Misconceptions about flu vaccine
Can a flu vaccine give you flu?
No, flu vaccines cannot cause flu illness. The flu shot is made with inactivated (killed) viruses or just a single protein from the flu virus, so it can't lead to infection. The nasal spray vaccine contains live but weakened (attenuated) viruses that are designed not to cause illness.
Is it preferable to experience the flu rather than receive a flu vaccine?
No, it's not better to get sick with the flu. The flu can be a serious illness, especially for young children, older adults, and individuals with chronic health conditions like diabetes, asthma, or heart disease. Any flu infection poses a risk of severe complications, hospitalization, or even death, even in otherwise healthy individuals. Therefore, getting vaccinated is a safer option than risking illness to gain immune protection.
Is it necessary to get a flu vaccine each year?
Yes, it’s important to get a flu vaccine every year. The CDC recommends it for everyone 6 months and older, as immunity can wane over time and flu viruses change from year to year. Annual vaccination helps ensure you have the best protection against the latest strains of the virus.
Does getting vaccinated twice offer additional immunity?
In adults, research has not demonstrated any benefit from receiving more than one dose of the vaccine in the same flu season, even for elderly individuals with weakened immune systems. Except for children receiving their first flu vaccine, only one dose is recommended each season.
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting a flu shot is a vital step in protecting both individual and public health. By keeping up with flu vaccinations, individuals protect themselves and help shield vulnerable members of the community. Take the time to get your flu vaccine this season; it not only protects your own health but also enhances the well-being of your community, especially those who are most vulnerable.
Sources:
“Who Needs a Flu Vaccine.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 21 Mar. 2024, www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/vaccinations.htm.
Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board