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- H1N1 flu (swine flu): What's happening now
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- Vaccines for adults: Which do you need?
- Staying healthy in school: Kid-friendly tips
- Hand-washing: Do's and don'ts
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Flu shot: Your best bet for avoiding influenza
Getting a flu shot often protects you from coming down with the flu. And while the flu shot doesn't always provide total protection, it's worth getting.
By Mayo Clinic staffThis year's annual flu shot will offer protection against the pandemic H1N1 flu (swine flu) virus, in addition to two other influenza viruses that are expected to be in circulation this fall and winter.
Influenza is a respiratory infection that can cause serious complications, particularly to young children and older adults. Flu shots are the most effective way to prevent influenza and its complications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends that everyone 6 months of age or older be vaccinated annually against influenza.
Here are the answers to common questions about flu shots.
When is the flu vaccine available?
The seasonal flu vaccine generally becomes available in late summer or early fall, before the start of flu season. Shipment of the 2011-12 vaccine started in August 2011 and was expected to continue through September and October. It takes up to two weeks to build immunity after a flu shot. But you can benefit from the vaccine even if you don't get it until flu season starts.
Why do I need to get vaccinated every year?
New flu vaccines are released every year to keep up with rapidly adapting flu viruses. Because flu viruses evolve so quickly, last year's vaccine may not protect you from this year's viruses.
After vaccination, your immune system produces antibodies that will protect you from the vaccine viruses. In general, though, antibody levels start to decline about six months after you receive the vaccine — another reason to get a flu shot every year.
Who should get the flu vaccine?
Since the 2010-11 influenza season, the CDC has recommended annual influenza vaccinations for everyone age 6 months or older. Vaccination is especially important for people at high risk of influenza complications, including:
- Pregnant women
- Older adults
- Young children
Chronic medical conditions can also increase your risk of influenza complications. Examples include:
- Asthma
- Cerebral palsy
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Cystic fibrosis
- Epilepsy
- HIV-AIDS
- Kidney or liver disease
- Muscular dystrophy
- Obesity
- Sickle cell disease
Who shouldn't get the flu shot?
Don't get a flu shot if you:
- Have had a bad reaction to the vaccine in the past
- Are allergic to chicken eggs
- Have a fever that day
(1 of 2)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, et al. Prevention and control of influenza with vaccines. MMWR. 2011;60:1. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/rr/rr59e0729.pdf. Accessed Aug. 16, 2011.
- Seasonal flu vaccine. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/fluvaccine.htm .Accessed Aug. 18, 2011.
- Song JY, et al. Long-term immunogenicity of influenza vaccine among the elderly: Risk factors for poor immune response and persistence. Vaccine. 2010;28:3929.
- Ambrose CS, et al. Duration of protection provided by live attenuated influenza vaccination in children. Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal. 2008;27:744.
- Everyday preventive actions that can help fight germs, like flu. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/family/everyday_preventive.pdf. Accessed Aug. 16, 2011.
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