“It’s important to get vaccinated early on in the season if possible because it takes two to four weeks for antibodies to form and for people to get protected from influenza”, says Susan Rehm, MD, an infectious disease specialist. The CDC recommendations say everyone older than six months should get a flu vaccine every year. After what health experts call a severe flu season a year ago, now is the time to get your flu shot before the holiday season is full swing.
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“Persons at the greatest risk of developing flu related complications include children younger than 5, but especially younger than 2 years old” said Danny Acosta, Director of Immunize El Paso. Flu vaccine is the best way to protect you from the flu and is recommended for everyone over 6 months of age. Altman has urged people to get vaccinated for the flu now in order to prevent further complications.
Two of this season’s vaccine components, the influenza A (H3N2) and influenza B (Yamagata lineage) strains, have been updated to match the viruses Californians are likely to face during the upcoming flu season.
The CDC estimates that last year’s vaccine was only about 19% effective, so there’s reason to be hopeful.
Flu viruses can change each year, making it tough for the right vaccines to be developed.
Flu is more risky for a few people.
“We estimate that approximately 57 percent of hospitalizations due to influenza pneumonia could be prevented by influenza vaccination”, he said. And despite the myths, the shot won’t give you the flu, but it could save your life.
The earlier you get vaccinated against the flu, the better – regardless of how it’s delivered.
Mass flu vaccination clinics will take in Paris on Thursday, October 29 and in Booneville on Friday, October 30, according to Paula Beaty of the Arkansas Department of Health units located in Paris and Booneville.
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Of course, no one wants to come in contact with the flu, thankfully there are ways to avoid passing or catching the flu.
