Frequently Asked Questions
Who should get a flu shot?
Those who wish to reduce their chance of becoming infected by the influenza virus. The flu shot
should always be given to people who are at risk of having serious health problems if they get the flu.
should always be given to people who are at risk of having serious health problems if they get the flu.
These people should get the flu shot:
- Influenza Vaccination Now Recommended for children 6 months to 18 years of age.
- People who are 50 years of age and older.
- People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions.
- Women who will be pregnant this season.
- People who live in nursing homes or long term care facilities.
- Health-care workers.
- People who have or take care of a baby less than 6 months of age.
Who should NOT get a flu shot?
A flu shot is NOT recommended for the following people:
If you ever have doubts or questions, please consult your physician before receiving the vaccine.
- People allergic to eggs or egg products.
- People sensitive to Thimerosal.
- People who have an active nerve disorder.
- People with a fever, or active respiratory or other infection or illness.
- Individuals with thrombocytopenia or any coagulation disorder that would contraindicate
intramuscular injection. (Consult your own physician to find out if the benefits outweigh
the risk of administration)
If you ever have doubts or questions, please consult your physician before receiving the vaccine.
Can I get the flu from the flu shot?
No. The influenza vaccine contains an inactivated virus (killed virus), which cannot cause the flu.
If I received a flu shot last year do I need another one this year?
Yes. Flu viruses change from year to year and a vaccine made against flu viruses last year may
not protect against this years newer viruses. That is why the influenza vaccine is updated to
include current viruses every year. Another reason to get a flu vaccine every year is that after
you get vaccinated; your immunity to the disease declines over time and may be too low to
provide protection after one year.
not protect against this years newer viruses. That is why the influenza vaccine is updated to
include current viruses every year. Another reason to get a flu vaccine every year is that after
you get vaccinated; your immunity to the disease declines over time and may be too low to
provide protection after one year.
When should I get a flu vaccination?
The best time to get vaccinated is from October through November. The "flu season" in the
United States is usually from November through April of each year. You can still benefit from
getting vaccinated after November, but keep in mind that once you get vaccinated, it takes about
two weeks for your body to produce protective antibodies. During this time, flu viruses are
circulating in the population.
United States is usually from November through April of each year. You can still benefit from
getting vaccinated after November, but keep in mind that once you get vaccinated, it takes about
two weeks for your body to produce protective antibodies. During this time, flu viruses are
circulating in the population.
What are the possible side effects of the vaccine?
Most people who receive the vaccine have no reaction or either have very mild reactions. The
most common side effect is soreness in the arm the injection was given. This usually will last for
up to 48 hours. Less common side effects are fever and malaise. It should be noted that there is a
possibility, as with any vaccine or drug, that an allergic or other serious reaction, or even death,
could occur. Also, medical events completely unrelated to the vaccine may occur coincidentally
following vaccination.
most common side effect is soreness in the arm the injection was given. This usually will last for
up to 48 hours. Less common side effects are fever and malaise. It should be noted that there is a
possibility, as with any vaccine or drug, that an allergic or other serious reaction, or even death,
could occur. Also, medical events completely unrelated to the vaccine may occur coincidentally
following vaccination.
I don't like getting shots, but I don't want the flu. Is there anything else available?
Yes. There are two types of vaccines that protect against the flu. The "flu shot" is an inactivated
vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. A different kind of
vaccine, called the nasal-spray flu vaccine (sometimes referred to as LAIV for Live Attenuated
Influenza Vaccine), was approved in 2003. The nasal-spray flu vaccine contains attenuated
(weakened) live viruses, and is administered by a nasal sprayer. LAIV (FluMist®) is approved for
use in healthy* people 2-49 years of age† who are not pregnant. The flu shot on the other hand is
approved for use among people over 6 months of age, including healthy people and those with
chronic medical conditions.
vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. A different kind of
vaccine, called the nasal-spray flu vaccine (sometimes referred to as LAIV for Live Attenuated
Influenza Vaccine), was approved in 2003. The nasal-spray flu vaccine contains attenuated
(weakened) live viruses, and is administered by a nasal sprayer. LAIV (FluMist®) is approved for
use in healthy* people 2-49 years of age† who are not pregnant. The flu shot on the other hand is
approved for use among people over 6 months of age, including healthy people and those with
chronic medical conditions.
* "Healthy" indicates persons who do not have an underlying medical condition that predisposes them to influenza
complications.
complications.
† On October 24, 2007 CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended expanding
the use of the nasal influenza vaccine LAIV (FluMist®) to include healthy children ages 2-4 years old (24-59
months old) without a history of asthma or recurrent wheezing. The vaccine continues to be recommended for
healthy person's ages 5-49 years who are not pregnant.
the use of the nasal influenza vaccine LAIV (FluMist®) to include healthy children ages 2-4 years old (24-59
months old) without a history of asthma or recurrent wheezing. The vaccine continues to be recommended for
healthy person's ages 5-49 years who are not pregnant.
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