Influenza VaccineBy Lindsay Zigler

Comm 1010

Why should you get vaccinated?

Influenza itself can cause serious illness in people and can even cause death

Every flu season is different than the last

Flu season usually occurs around October through March (late as May)

3,000-49,000 people die from flu-associated deaths

80-90% of those deaths occur in ages 65 and older

How do flu vaccines work? Causes antibodies approximately two

weeks after vaccination Seasonal flu vaccine protects against

three flu viruses: influenza A (H1N1), influenza A (H3N2), and influenza B

A quadrivalent vaccine is available that protects against an additional influenza B virus

Who should get vaccinated? Everyone 6 months of age and older Anyone at high risk of complications

from getting the flu People with chronic underlying medical

conditions such as:› Chronic lung disease, asthma, neurological

conditions, weakened immune systems, kidney and heart disease, etc.

Who should not get vaccinated?

People with an egg allergy Children younger than 6 months of age Anyone who has or with a history of

Guillain-Barre Syndrome› Consult with a healthcare provider on

which type of vaccine you should receive as well

Types of flu vaccines The flu shot The nasal spray

vaccine For youth ages 2-

17 years old

Benefits of flu vaccine Protects you from getting the flu Protects you as well as those around

you who are more susceptible to serious flu illness

May make your illness much milder if you were to get the flu

Has decreased flu-associated hospitalizations in pediatrics and older adults in past years (various studies)

References Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention (CDC) http://avalonlibrary.org/wp-content/

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