Six Facts to Know About Flu Vaccines

by Linda R. Bernstein, Pharm.D.

Thanks for checking out DrLinda.TV. I decided for the launch of our first program to cover the topic of Flu Vaccines to help everyone get ready for this year’s flu season. We have all had to cope with COVID-19 this past year which has been rough to be sure, but there are other viruses out there and influenza is not one to ignore as it can lead to illness, hospitalization due to complications such as pneumonia, and most sadly, death. Here are six important facts to know about flu vaccines.

Fact One: Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that every person, 6 months and older get a flu vaccine every season. A rare exception for which you might be advised against getting the flu vaccine might be a history of having a severe life-threatening allergy to one of its ingredients.

The CDC says the following people should NOT get the flu vaccine:

• Children younger than 6 months of age.

• People with severe, life-threatening allergies to the flu vaccine or any ingredient in the vaccine. This might include gelatin, antibiotics, or other ingredients. If you have had a history of egg allergies consult your healthcare provider before receiving the flu vaccine.

Fact Two: People Most at Risk for Flu Complications

It is particularly important for those at high risk of influenza complications to receive the vaccine, such as adults 65 years and older and young children under 2 years of age (but older than six months). Other risk factors for flu complications include obesity, chronic medical conditions such as asthma, heart, lung, kidney or liver disease, diabetes, reduced immunity from AIDS, radiation therapy, cancer medicines or steroid use, and history of stroke.

Fact Three: Not All Flu Vaccines Are Alike

Specific flu vaccines are approved for different groups of people so discuss with your healthcare provider which vaccine best suits your needs. For example, some flu vaccines are approved for use in very young children and others are for the elderly.

The nasal spray flu vaccine is approved for use in non-pregnant individuals who are between 2 and 49 years of age. The CDC says those who should NOT receive the nasal spray flu vaccine are:

• Children younger than 2 years.

• Adults 50 years and older.

• Pregnant women.

• People with severe, life-threatening allergies to the flu vaccine or any ingredient in the vaccine.

• Children 2 years through 17 years of age who are receiving aspirin- or salicylate-containing medications.

• People with weakened immune systems (immunosuppression).

• People who care for or are close contacts of severely immunocompromised persons who require a protected environment (or otherwise avoid contact with those persons for 7 days after getting the nasal spray vaccine).

• Children 2 years through 4 years who have asthma or who have had a history of wheezing in the past 12 months.

• People who have taken influenza antiviral drugs within the previous 48 hours.

Fact Four: Flu Vaccine Side Effects – Depends Upon the Product

As with any medication, each type of influenza vaccine has its own unique set of potential side effects. Most flu vaccine side effects are mild and short-lived. Ask your healthcare provider which side effects to watch out for and need to be reported.

Fact Five: How Long Until Flu Vaccine Starts to Work

It takes about two weeks after flu vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against flu. The CDC recommends getting a flu vaccine before flu viruses begin spreading in your community.

Fact Six: When to Get the Flu Vaccine

Make plans to get vaccinated early in the fall, before flu season begins. CDC recommends that people get a flu vaccine by the end of October. However, getting vaccinated early (for example, in July or August) is likely to be associated with reduced protection against flu infection later in the flu season, particularly among older adults. Vaccination should continue to be offered throughout the flu season, even into January or later in your community. Children who need two doses of vaccine to be protected should start the vaccination process sooner because the two doses must be given at least four weeks apart.

If you have questions about flu vaccines talk to your health care provider. The CDC website, www.cdc.gov is also a great resource.

Thank you all for allowing me to help guide you through the complexities of these topics so you achieve the best of health. If you want to learn more, I would like to hear from you. Please like and subscribe. Leave me a comment or visit DrLinda.TV to send a question.