5 Things you Need to Know About Flu Shots

Influenza, or flu as we fondly call this illness that is rampant today, can vary from a small bout of sore throat, cold and fever to a full blown breakdown of the body, requiring hospitalization. Flu and fatalities from the illness are a cause for concern, and a flu shot can offer some respite. If your family doctor has suggested everyone in the family get the shot, but you have your concerns, the information that follows should help clear things up.

Flu shots protect you from 3 to 4 kinds of flu : A flu shot is easily available. Simply phone ahead and visit your family clinic to get the vaccination. If you’re working, go to a Saturday clinic or a walk in clinic. Traditional vaccines protect you against three strains of flu, while quadrivalent ones offer more comprehensive protection against an additional variety. Influenza A viruses H1NI and H3N2, as well as the Influenza B viruses are covered with a trivalent flu vaccine.

Different flu shots for different people : If you thought one size fits all, when it comes to flu shots, think again. There are number of different formulations designed to deliver different dosages and provide different kinds of protection to specific segments of the population. Standard dose trivalent shots work for most of the population, some are approved for use in babies as young as 6 months old. 18 to 64 year olds have the additional option of an intra-dermal trivalent shot. The high dose trivalent shot is recommended for anyone who is 65 or over. Most use viruses grown in eggs, but an egg-free variant is also available for adults. The quadrivalent flu vaccine is available as traditional shot as well as a nasal spray vaccine. The latter is only permitted for use in otherwise healthy children over two and adults under 50.

Who absolutely must get a flu shot : Certain categories of individuals would be unwise to avoid getting a flu shot. At the Phoenix Family Medical Clinic, we highly recommend that people with asthma, diabetes, cancer, HIV/AIDS, lung disease or heart disease get vaccinated. Additionally those over 65, and children under five especially infants and toddlers below two, should also make getting a flu shot a priority. That’s because this group bears the brunt of the worst of an influenza attack and are most at risk for complications and even death from flu.

The best time of year to get a flu shot : The fresh batch of flu vaccines fully hits the market around October, and it is possible to get your flu shot as soon as your local clinic gets a batch. However, manufacturers start dispatching as early as July, so you will need to check with your family clinic for up to date information in your area.

You need one every year : Flu shots need to be taken every year. That’s because the effect wears off as the antibodies produced to counter the virus in the vaccine dwindle. More important, as newer strains of influenza virus are discovered, the latest flu shots will offer protection against some more virulent strains that were not around last flu season.

The Phoenix Family Medical Clinic believes in preventive care, and our team helps families get their annual flu shots and stay safe through the flu season every year.

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