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About the Flu Vaccine

The flu vaccine usually is offered between September and mid-November, although it may be given at other times of the year. It reduces the average person’s chances of catching the flu by up to 80% during flu season. Because the vaccine prevents infection with only a few of the viruses that can cause flu-like symptoms, it isn’t a guarantee against getting sick. But even if someone who’s gotten the shot gets the flu, symptoms usually will be fewer and milder.

Flu vaccines are available as a shot or nasal mist. Given as an injection, the flu shot contains killed flu viruses that will not cause the flu, but will prepare the body to fight off infection by the live flu virus. Getting a shot of the killed virus means a person is protected against that particular type of live flu virus if he or she comes into contact with it.

Because the nasal mist contains weakened live flu viruses, it is not for people with weakened immune systems or certain health conditions. It is only for healthy, non-pregnant people between the ages of 2 and 49 years.

People who got the vaccine last year aren’t protected from getting the flu this year because the protection wears off and flu viruses constantly change. That’s why the vaccine is updated each year to include the most current strains of the virus.

Kids under 9 who get a flu shot for the first time will receive two separate shots a month apart. It can take about 2 weeks after the shot for the body to build up protection to the flu.

Getting the shot before the flu season is in full force gives the body a chance to build up immunity to, or protection from, the virus. Although you can get a flu shot well into flu season, it’s best to try to get it earlier rather than later. However, even as late as January there are still 2 or 3 months left in the flu season, so it’s still a good idea to get protection.

Who Is Considered High Risk?

In times when the vaccine is in short supply, certain people need it more than others. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) often will recommend that certain high-risk groups be given priority when flu shot supplies are limited. The CDC does not anticipate a shortage this year, but it’s difficult to predict how many doses will be used. Call your doctor or local public health department about vaccine availability in your area.

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the CDC currently recommend that these high-risk groups be given the flu shot:

• kids 6–59 months old
• anyone 50 years and older
• women who will be pregnant during the flu season
• anyone who lives or works with infants under 6 months old
• residents of long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes
• any adult or child with chronic medical conditions, such as asthma
• health-care personnel who have direct contact with patients
• kids ages 6 months to 18 years on long-term aspirin therapy
• out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of anyone in any of the high-risk groups

People who should not get the flu shot include:

• infants under 6 months old
• anyone who’s severely allergic to eggs and egg products (ingredients for flu shots are grown inside eggs, so tell your doctor if your child is allergic to eggs or egg products before he or she gets a flu shot)
• anyone who’s ever had a severe reaction to a flu vaccination
• anyone with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a rare condition that affects the immune system and nerves
• anyone with a fever