What exactly is a vaccine, and why is it important to get one? A vaccine contains the same germs that cause disease, but they have been either weakened or killed 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 so powerful; unlike medicines, which treat or cure diseases, vaccines prevent them.
Flu season typically starts in October, peaks in February, and lasts until March or even April. In general, everyone over six months of age should get vaccinated—the earlier the better. Late September is a good time of year to receive the vaccination, but you can also get vaccinated in October and beyond.
People have several reasons for not getting a flu vaccine. Some say they don’t like getting “shots.” Others say they don’t get the vaccine because they believe it can make them sick. (You cannot get the flu from the flu vaccine.) Still, some also say they don’t get the flu vaccine because they don’t think they “need” it or that it is “not 100% effective.” Although the influenza vaccine does not provide absolute protection against the flu, it can significantly reduce the severity of your symptoms if you do come down with it, keeping 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 30–60% in the general population.”
Children, older adults, pregnant women, healthcare workers, and those with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, or a compromised immune system) are especially susceptible to getting the flu or developing complications, including pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, and ear infections. Children younger than two are especially vulnerable. In addition, children under six months are more likely to have complications; since they are too young for the flu vaccine, it is best to ensure that everyone in contact with them is vaccinated.
Adults aged 65 and older are at 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 delivered a baby within two weeks, are more likely to have a severe illness than women who are not pregnant.
The CDC states that anyone who got Guillain-Barré syndrome within six weeks of a previous flu vaccination or anyone with a severe, life-threatening allergy to any ingredients in a vaccine should not get it. 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 Kroger on Sunday, September 28, from 7:30 AM to 12:15 PM, offering additional vaccines for shingles, pneumonia, hepatitis, and COVID. Later this year, on Sunday, October 12, VNA will also offer a flu vaccine event from 9 AM to 11 AM. Please register with the Parish Secretary at 586-254-4433.
Be sure to bring your insurance cards if attending a vaccine event. Many insurance plans cover the annual vaccination, and older adults covered under Medicare Part B can receive the vaccination for free with no copay or deductible. There is an associated cost if you do not have medical insurance.
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, February 21, 2020
