“What exactly is a vaccine, and why is it important to get it?” A vaccine contains the same germs that cause disease, but have been either killed or weakened so they don’t make you sick. A vaccine stimulates your immune system to produce antibodies, exactly like you would if you were exposed to the disease. That’s what makes vaccines such powerful medicine. Unlike medicines which “treat or cure” diseases, vaccines prevent them.
Flu season starts in October and can go as late as March (and even April), but usually peaks in the U.S. in February. In general, everyone over the age of 6 months should get vaccinated-the earlier the better. Late September is a good time, and even into October and beyond.
People have a number of reasons why they don’t get a flu shot. Some say they don’t like to get “shots.” Others say they don’t get the flu vaccine because they believe it can make them sick. You cannot get the flu from the flu shot! Other people just don’t think they “need” to get the flu vaccine.
People also say they don’t get the flu shot because it is not “100% effective.” Although it is true the influenza vaccine does not provide absolute protection against the flu, it can greatly reduce the severity of your symptoms if you do come down with the flu-and keep you out of the hospital! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says, like all vaccines, the one for flu is not perfect, but it cuts the risk of illness by 30-60% in the general population.
Children, older adults, pregnant women, anyone with chronic medical conditions (asthma, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, or a compromised immune system) and healthcare workers are especially vulnerable to getting the flu or having complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus and ear infections. Children younger than 2 are especially vulnerable. Children under the age of 6 months are more likely to get complications, but since they are too young to get the flu vaccine, the best idea is to be sure everyone in contact with them is vaccinated.
Adults ages 65 and over are at a greater risk than younger, healthy adults due to weakened immune systems. Typically, older adults account for the most flu-related deaths and more than half of flu-related hospitalizations. Pregnant women, as well as those who have delivered a baby in the previous 2 weeks, are more likely to have a severe illness than women who are pregnant.
The CDC states anyone who got Guillain-Barre syndrome within 6 weeks of a previous flu vaccination, or anyone with a known and severe life-threatening allergy to any ingredients in a vaccine should not get the vaccine. If you are unsure as to whether you should take the flu vaccine due to a medical issue, talk with your doctor/healthcare provider first.
St. Therese will be hosting a flu-vaccine event, administered by the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA), on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023 between 9:00 and 11:30 AM in the Social Hall. Many insurance plans pay for the annual vaccination, and older adults covered under Medicare Part B can get the vaccination free with no copay or deductible. If not covered by insurance, the cost of the vaccine is $45, or $85 if you would like the “senior flu shot.”
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Vaccines and Preventable Diseases, Vaccines: The Basics
Web MD, Flu Vaccine, Elizabeth Hanes, BSN, RN, August 19, 2020
WebMD, Flu Season: What to Know in 2020, Feb 21, 2020