It’s Time For Your Flu Shot
Flu season is here and getting your annual flu vaccine is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every year, with rare exceptions. The vaccine is especially important for young children, adults 65 and older, pregnant people, and people with certain chronic health conditions.
Flu Symptoms
The flu can come on suddenly and may cause:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Body aches
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Runny or stuffy nose
The flu can be more serious than a typical cold and can lead to complications or even hospitalization. Getting vaccinated can lower your risk of serious illness.
Common Questions About the Flu Vaccine
Who can get the flu shot?
Almost everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each season. This includes pregnant people, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.
Children younger than 6 months are too young to receive a flu vaccine. If you have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous flu vaccine or have questions about whether vaccination is right for you, talk with your healthcare provider.
What about an egg allergy? Egg allergies are no longer a reason to avoid the flu vaccine. People with egg allergies can receive any flu vaccine that is appropriate for their age and health.
Why do I need to get the flu vaccine yearly?
Flu viruses change over time, and the protection provided by vaccination decreases over time. Each year’s vaccine is updated to help protect against the influenza viruses expected to be most common during the upcoming season.
That’s why it’s important to get a flu vaccine every year—even if you received one last year.
When should I get the flu vaccine?
For most people, September and October are good times to get vaccinated, and ideally you should be vaccinated by the end of October. It takes about two weeks for your body to develop protection after vaccination.
But don’t worry if you miss that window. It’s not too late to get your flu vaccine. Vaccination can still protect you later in the season as long as flu viruses are circulating and vaccine is available.
Can the flu vaccine give me the flu?
No. A flu vaccine cannot give you the flu.
Some people may experience mild side effects after vaccination, such as soreness where the shot was given, a low-grade fever, headache, or muscle aches. When these side effects happen, they are usually mild and last only a day or two.
These reactions are much less severe than getting the flu itself.
Flu vaccines are available at NOAH. Schedule an appointment today and protect yourself this flu season.
