Additionally, influenza viruses are constantly changing. Because of this, a vaccine from the previous flu season may not protect you through an upcoming flu season. Generally speaking, receiving the seasonal influenza vaccine should help to protect you for the duration of the current flu season.
The flu vaccine is produced by a number of private manufacturers and typically begins to ship to healthcare providers in August. A study indicated that maximum immunity is achieved shortly following vaccination and decreases with each passing month.
Therefore, if you get your vaccine in August, you may be more susceptible to infection late in the flu season, around February or March. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC recommends getting the flu vaccine before influenza activity begins to pick up within your community, ideally by the end of October. Late vaccination can still provide adequate protection, as influenza can circulate within your community through March or even later.
But there are several side effects that you may experience after receiving it. Influenza viruses are constantly changing and evolving rapidly. Circulating influenza viruses can mutate from one season to the next. Researchers need to select the specific influenza viruses to include in the vaccine many months before flu season begins. This can decrease the effectiveness of the seasonal flu vaccine.
Age can also play a role in vaccine efficacy because your immune system tends to become weaker as you age. The reason for this is that as people get older, their immune response to vaccines weakens.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC , a yearly flu shot is recommended for everyone aged 6 months or older. Therefore, most individuals should get a flu shot once a year. Researchers adjust each yearly flu vaccine, depending on what strain of flu they predict will be common during that season. As a result, the flu shot is different each year. Some children will need two doses of the flu vaccine per season, which they should receive at least 4 weeks apart.
A study found that previous flu vaccination in children did not reduce the effectiveness of future flu shots, which supports the recommendation for yearly flu vaccination in children. In the United States, flu cases begin to increase in October and are highest between December and February.
However, a person can still get sick from the flu as late as May. The exact timing of the flu season varies from year to year. According to the CDC , the best time to get a flu shot is by the end of October. However, individuals can get a flu shot at any time of the year. It is still better to get the shot as early as September or as late as January than not to get one at all. If someone gets a flu shot too early, the vaccine may not last the entire flu season.
A person should ask a doctor when they should have a flu shot, especially if they have any underlying health conditions or are aged 65 years or over. Once an individual gets the flu shot, it takes 2 weeks to start working. The vaccine stimulates an immune response, whereby white blood cells identify the flu virus and begin making antibodies.
However, after they break down, the B lymphocytes can make the antibodies quicker the next time they encounter the virus. There are two types of flu shot:. The flu shot contains an inactivated version of the flu virus. It may be easier for a person to think of the virus as dead. Sore Throat. Ear Infections. Workers' Comp Services. Physicals for Children. DOT Physicals and Testing.
Pre-Employment Physicals. Virtual Appointments. Online Doctor Visits. Benefits of Virtual Appointments. Flu shots are typically available by early September — well before the traditional flu season begins — through March.
Influenza season can often last well into May. Late protection is better than no protection at all! Fact: Unfortunately, a flu-free history does not guarantee a flu-free future. Flu strains evolve and change over time, which means you are at risk every year you avoid getting vaccinated. In addition, when you skip your shot you can still carry and pass flu germs to others. Influenza symptoms can leave us stuck in bed for days using up valuable vacation time. I always ask patients, why not save up those days for a sunny vacation instead?
Fact: The flu vaccine can significantly reduce your risk of catching the flu. Flu vaccination also significantly reduces the risk of flu-related hospitalization for the elderly, working age adults, and especially among children. Flu shots are important for pregnant women, too.
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