Q. Who should be vaccinated against the flu?
A: The Centers for Disease Control recommend that everyone 6 months and older get the flu vaccine yearly. Children 6 months to 8 years old may need two doses during the flu season.
Q. Will the flu vaccine give me the flu?
A: No.
Q. When should I get the flu vaccine?
A: Flu season hits during the winter, starting as early as October and peaks in January. The vaccine takes about two weeks for antibodies to develop in your system, so make sure you plan ahead and get the vaccine early in the season to protect yourself.
Q. Is there anyone who should avoid the vaccine?
A: People who have had a severe, life-threating reaction to the flu vaccine shouldn't receive it. If you've had Guillain-Barré Syndrome, you should discuss options with your primary care provider.
Q. How effective is the flu vaccine?
A: Things like your overall health, age and how closely the flu vaccine is matched with this year's strain of viruses will factor into the vaccine's effectiveness. The flu vaccine won't protect you 100%, but it's still your best bet for prevention. Additionally, getting the vaccine can decrease the severity of the flu if you still get it.
Q. Are there live flu strains in the vaccine?
A: The flu vaccine is made up of three to four dead, inactivated viruses, so you cannot get the flu from receiving the vaccine. It contains antigens that allow your body to develop immunity against the virus.
Q. Are there preservative-free flu vaccines available?
A: There are injectable vaccines that are preservative free, but they have a very short shelf life and aren't routinely stocked. Ask your provider or pharmacist if they can get the vaccine for you. Preservatives, such as mercury-based thimerosal, are added to extend the shelf life and prevent germs from growing in the vaccine. Multi-dose flu vaccines may contain thimerosal and other preservatives. Flu vaccines that come in a single dose, as well as a nasal spray, don't contain thimerosal.
Q. Is there an alternative to getting an injectable vaccine?
A: Yes, the nasal spray vaccine has live-attenuated viruses, which are weakened so they can't harm your body. Getting a flu nasal spray can't give you the flu. Healthy men and women ages 2 to 49, and women who aren't pregnant, can receive the nasal spray. If you have chronic health issues, ask your provider first. The nasal spray doesn't contain thimerosal or other preservatives.
If you're not feeling well, wait until you're feeling better to get the flu vaccine.
Vaccines are available at HonorHealth Medical Group primary care and urgent care locations. No appointment is necessary at our urgent care locations.