When Should I Get the Flu Vaccine?

When Should I Get the Flu Vaccine?

It is hard to believe television commercials are already advertising the flu vaccine.   This must mean that fall is right around the corner, followed by winter.   So, should you be pressured to get your flu vaccine now?  No, since the peak of flu season usually begins in December, it is optimal to receive the flu vaccine in October or November.

“Flu vaccination should begin soon after vaccine becomes available, ideally by October. However, as long as flu viruses are circulating, vaccination should continue to be offered throughout the flu season, even in January or later. While seasonal influenza outbreaks can happen as early as October, most of the time influenza activity peaks in January or later. Since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body that protect against influenza virus infection, it is best that people get vaccinated so they are protected before influenza begins spreading in their community” (CDC, 2014).

Who should get a flu vaccine?

While everyone should get a flu vaccine this season, it’s especially important for some people to get vaccinated.

Those people include the following:

·         People who are at high risk of developing serious complications (like pneumonia) if they get sick with the flu.

o    People who have certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung disease.

o    Pregnant women.

o    People younger than 5 years (and especially those younger than 2), and people 65 years and older.

·         People who live with or care for others who are at high risk of developing serious complications (see list above).

o    Household contacts and caregivers of people with certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung disease.

o    Household contacts and caregivers of infants younger than 6 months old.

o    Health care personnel.

Where can I get the flu vaccine?
Our office, Family Medicine Associates will have flu vaccines available after September 1.  Please call 870-762-5360 or stop by. 

Tell them Connie sent you.

References:
Centers for Disease Control (2014). Seasonal Influenza (Flu). Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm