What is the flu vaccine?
This is a vaccine that protects against seasonal influenza, also called the “flu.”
The flu is an infection that can cause fever, cough, body aches, and other symptoms. The most common type is the “seasonal” flu. There are different forms of seasonal flu, for example, “type A” and “type B.” All forms are caused by viruses.
The seasonal flu vaccine comes in different forms, including:
●A shot – This is given into the muscle, usually in the upper arm.
●A nasal spray – You might be able to give yourself (or your child) the spray at home.
Your doctor can help you decide which vaccine is best for you or your child.
Why should I get the flu vaccine?
Getting vaccinated can help keep you from getting sick. Also, being vaccinated can help protect those around you from getting sick. If you have been vaccinated but get the flu, the vaccine can also prevent you from getting severely ill or even dying.
Some years, the flu vaccine is more effective than others. That’s because the people developing the vaccines can’t predict exactly how the flu virus is going to change year to year, and it takes months to make a new vaccine.
Some people think the flu vaccine doesn’t work because they have known people who got the vaccine and got the flu anyway. But this does not mean the vaccine does not work. Many people who get sick after getting the flu vaccine do not actually have the flu; they have a cold caused by a virus unrelated to the flu virus, so the flu vaccine can’t help with that.
Even in years when the vaccine is less effective, it still helps prevent some cases of the flu and also helps prevent serious illness and outbreaks of the flu.
Who should get the flu vaccine and when?
All people age 6 months or older should get the flu vaccine every year. The vaccine is especially important for certain people at high risk (table 1).
The best time of year to get the flu vaccine is before the winter season begins. In the US, it’s best to get the vaccine by October. In southern countries, where winter happens in July and August, it’s best to get the vaccine by May. No matter where you live, try to get the vaccine soon after it becomes available in your area.
Children ages 6 months through 8 years might need 2 doses of the vaccine for it to work best. This depends on how many doses they had in the past and when.
What side effects can the flu vaccine cause?
The vaccine usually causes no side effects. When it does cause side effects, it can cause:
●Redness, mild swelling, or soreness where you got the shot (if you got a shot)
●Mild fever
●Mild rash
●Headache or body aches
Vaccines also sometimes cause more serious side effects, such as severe allergic reactions. But serious side effects are rare.
Does the flu vaccine cause autism?
No. After doing many careful studies, scientists have not found any link between vaccines and autism. Many years ago, a study reported a link between autism and vaccines. But that study turned out to be false. It has been withdrawn.
What if I am pregnant?
If you are pregnant, it is very important to get the flu vaccine. In pregnant people, flu symptoms can get worse quickly and be dangerous. The flu can even cause trouble breathing or lead to death of the pregnant person or their baby. That is why it is so important to get the flu vaccine if you are or will be pregnant during flu season.
What if I have an egg allergy?
Some forms of the flu vaccine contain small amounts of egg. But the amount is so small it does not cause an allergic reaction. If you have an egg allergy, you should still get the flu vaccine.
