Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is an upper respiratory infection. It is caused by one of the influenza viruses. Some people may have an increased risk of serious complications if they catch the flu. This can include those who are:

• Pregnant
• Ages fifty and over
• Very young
• Chronically ill and have weak immune systems
• Obese

Serious complications can happen even in people who are healthy. New flu vaccines are made each year to protect against the influenza viruses that are current at that time.

Important note: Getting the flu vaccine every year is the best way to protect you from getting the flu. It's also the best way to stop you from spreading the flu to the people you love.

Each year's updated version of the influenza vaccine typically becomes available during the late summer.

• Ideally the vaccine should be received by the end of October.
• If you have not received the flu vaccine by the end of October, receiving it later in the year is still beneficial, as long as the virus is circulating.

This care path includes the costs for the preservative free flu vaccine.

• Preservatives are used to protect vaccines packaged in multi-dose vials.
• Thimerosal is the preservative used in multi-dose vials to prevent germs, bacteria and/or fungi from contaminating the vaccine.
• Data from many studies has shown no evidence of harm caused by the low doses of thimerosal in vaccines.

Most people only need one dose of the flu vaccine each year.

• If your child is eight or younger, check with your healthcare provider to see if two doses are needed.
• You may want to wait to get the vaccine if you have a moderate to severe illness (not just a cold).

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people ages six months and older receive a flu vaccine UNLESS there are specific medical reasons for not receiving it. These include:

• A severe allergic reaction to a previous flu vaccine
• Some people who have had Guillain-Barre syndrome, a disease that affects the nervous system

People who have an egg allergy were frequently told not to receive the flu vaccine.

• However, research has shown that it is unlikely people with an egg allergy will have a severe allergic reaction to the currently available egg-based influenza vaccines.
• People who have had a severe reaction to eggs (more than just hives), should be vaccinated in a place where they can be supervised by a health care provider.

Some people are at an increased risk for complications if they get the flu. It's even more important these individuals get the flu vaccine. Those at increased risk include:

• Pregnant women
• Children younger than five years
• Adults ages fifty and older
• People with chronic diseases, such as diabetes or lung, heart, kidney, blood or neurological disease
• People who have a weakened immune system due to illness or medication (such as steroids)
• Children who take long-term aspirin therapy
• People who are extremely obese
• People who live in chronic care facilities
• American Indians/Alaska Natives
• Household contacts and caregivers of children ages 5 and younger or adults ages 50 and older
• Household contacts and caregivers of people who are at increased risk for complications
• Health care workers
• Obese individuals

It's important to remember that each year people die from flu complications, even though they had no known risk factors.

You should contact your health care provider if it's flu season and you have not received your yearly flu vaccine. Here is a list of questions you can ask during your appointment:

• Which flu vaccine should I get, and why?
• What are the side effects of this vaccine?
• What are the risks if I don't get the vaccine?

Many local pharmacies and convenience care clinics provide flu shots.

Source UHC.com

Also known as:

Vaccine Influenza

Vaccine Flu

Vaccine - Flu - Adult

Vaccine

Seasonal Flu Shot

Influenza Vaccine

Influenza Shot

Immunization Influenza

Immunization Flu

Flu Vaccine

Flu Shot