Fall season brings beautiful foliage, cooler temperatures, the return of pumpkin spice lattes and the perhaps unpleasant reminder of the human need to get a flu shot. This year, unlike times before, the flu season must also face the added difficulty of trying to navigate a resurging Covid pandemic.
To assist all of our pandemic world inhabitants toward scheduling their needed annual flu shot, this article provides a few things to consider about this year’s flu shot.
As we have all been repeatedly reminded, the flu changes every year, and so does the flu vaccine developed to fight it. This year, the three main types of flu vaccines available are: inactivated influenza vaccines (IIV4); recombinant influenza vaccines (RIV4); and live attenuated influenza vaccines (LAIV4). The first two are injectable, while the LAIV4 is given via nasal spray. For further information about this year’s flu shot and the virus strains it covers, visit the CDC’s website.
Who Should Get a Flu Shot?
According to the CDC, with few exceptions, everyone six months of age and older should get a flu shot. People who are especially susceptible to complications from the flu should definitely get vaccinated.
This includes adults over the age of 65, those with chronic health conditions like asthma, heart disease, and diabetes, as well as pregnant people. Different flu shots are available for the different age groups, and every patient is reminded to make sure that they are receiving the correct vaccine for their demographic.
Who Shouldn’t?
While there are not many people who should not be vaccinated for the flu, they do exist.
Children younger than six months old should not get a flu shot. Anyone with severe, life-threatening allergies to vaccine ingredients (including gelatin or antibiotics) should not get a flu shot. People who have previously had an allergic reaction to a flu shot should not get that particular vaccine again, and should consult their doctor before getting a different flu shot. Also, patients with an egg allergy or who have had Guillain-Barré Syndrome must absolutely consult a physician before getting a flu vaccine.
When Should Patients Get Their Flu Shots?
Flu season typically begins around October, so it makes sense to do your utmost to get your flu shot before that. However, vaccine efficacy also must be taken into account. Studies have shown that maximum vaccine efficacy occurs directly after vaccination, with effectiveness dropping 8%-9% each month after the vaccination. For maximum protection, the CDC recommends that patients receive their flu shots by the end of October.
Can Flu Shots Be Given With COVID-19 Boosters?
Previously, the CDC recommended spacing the COVID-19 vaccine with other vaccines. However, after more research, the CDC has concluded that the flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine can be safely administered at the same time.
Since 1979 ABO Pharmaceuticals has remained a worldwide distributor of biological and pharmaceutical products at competitive prices. Check out ABO Pharmaceuticals to learn more about flu shots and the other vaccines they offer. Find ABO Pharmaceuticals on the worldwide web at https://shopfluvaccines.com, or by telephone at 877-226-2266.
Now that you have yet again been reminded of the health benefits of your annual flu shot, rise from your pandemic worn seat on the couch and schedule your 2021 flu shot today!
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