news/9302019 – Galt Health

Flu Vaccination

Why get vaccinated against the flu?

Influenza is a potentially serious disease. It can lead to hospitalization and somtimes even death. An annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to help protect against the flu.

How dose the vaccine work?

The flu vaccine causes antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination. These antibodies then provide protection against infection with the virus.

Who should get vaccinated?

Everyone 6 months of age and older should get the flu vaccine every season.

When should I get vaccinated?

You should get the flu vaccine before the flu viruses begin to spread in your community since it takes two weeks after vaccination to provide protection. Get flu vaccinated by the end of October, if possible.

Flu vaccine benefits:

Keeps you from getting sick

Reduces the risk of flu associated hospitalization

Helps prevent serious medical events associated with some chronic conditions

Helps protect women during and after pregnancy

Can be life saving in children

Reduces severity of illness in people who get vaccinated but still get sick

Getting vaccinated yourself will protect people who are more vulnerable to serious complications around you, including babies and young children, older adults and people with certain chronic diseases

Can the flu vaccine give me the flu?

No, the flu vaccine cannot cause the flu. Flu vaccines are made in two ways – flu vaccine virus that has been killed or with proteins from a flu vaccine virus. Therefore, it cannot cause flu illness.

Side effects from a flu vaccine

The flu shot may cause soreness, redness or swelling where the shot was given. Low grade fever and aches.

Special consideration regarding egg allergy

Anyone with an egg allergy can receive any recommended age appropriate influenza vaccine. People with history of severe egg allergy should be vaccinated in a medical setting supervised by a health care provider.