Forgot Your Flu Shot?

Many people fear the flu vaccine will actually GIVE them the flu. This is untrue, as the vaccine contains no live viruses. It’s very safe - in fact, the only people who should not get vaccinated are people who are allergic to eggs or have a history of Guillian-Barre Syndrome. Almost everyone knows someone who believes they got sick with the flu following a flu shot. These people probably either already were ill with the flu or a cold, or were exposed to the virus in the two weeks following being vaccinated (it takes about two weeks for your body to develop enough antibodies to protect you). Side effects from the shot are fairly rare, and generally consist of pain at the site of the injection and mild fever.

If you’ve had a flu shot before, remember that you’ll need to get one every year. The vaccine only provides protection for about six months, and as mentioned earlier, each year’s virus strains are different, leading to different vaccines every year. Think of it as keeping up with the latest trends in flu shots! It may be a good idea to have family members get vaccinated as well - they could be carriers of the flu even if they show no symptoms, and vaccinating them will help protect you.

There are many places to get flu shots now. Community clinics, drug stores and health fairs often offer flu shots, and many companies now have employee vaccination programs. The best place to get vaccinated may be at your physician’s office. Your doctor knows you and your health history, and can help you decide if a flu shot is right for you. Also, if you receive your shot through your physician’s office, it automatically becomes part of your permanent medical record. Finally, it may be cheaper to get vaccinated by your doctor or other health care provider, as the shot will most likely be covered by your health plan.

So don’t wait any longer. Protect yourself and your loved ones from flu and its complications. Ask your health care provider if a flu shot is right for you.

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