FLU SHOTS!!....Get Your Flu Shot........
What is the flu shot?
The flu shot is an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given
with a needle, usually in the arm. It contains three influenza viruses. The
three vaccine strains – one A (H3N2) virus, one A (H1N1) virus, and one B virus
– are representative of the influenza vaccine strains recommended for that year.
Viruses for the flu shot are grown in eggs.
Who should get a flu
shot?
In general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get
vaccinated. However, certain people should get vaccinated each year. They are
either people who are at high risk of having serious flu complications or people
who live with or care for those at high risk for serious complications. During
flu seasons when vaccine supplies are limited or delayed, the ACIP (Advisory
Committee on Immunization Practices) makes recommendations regarding priority
groups for vaccination. People who should get vaccinated each year are:
1. People at high risk for complications from the flu, including: Children age 6 months until their 5th birthday, pregnant women, people 50 years of age and older, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions; people who live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities.
2. People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including: Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu (see above), household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated), healthcare workers.
Use of the Nasal
Spray Flu Vaccine
It should be noted that vaccination with the nasal-spray flu vaccine is always
an option for healthy persons aged 5-49 years who are not pregnant.
How effective is the
flu shot?
With the flu shot, when the "match" between vaccine and circulating strains is
close, the vaccine prevents influenza in about 70%-90% of healthy persons
younger than age 65 years. Among elderly persons living outside chronic-care
facilities (such as nursing homes) and those persons with long-term (chronic)
medical conditions, the flu shot is 30%-70% effective in preventing
hospitalization for pneumonia and influenza. Among elderly nursing home
residents, the flu shot is most effective in preventing severe illness,
secondary complications, and deaths related to the flu. In this population, the
shot can be 50%-60% effective in preventing hospitalization or pneumonia and 80%
effective in preventing death from the flu.