Influenza and the Timing of Vaccination
Posted: Sep 27th, 2021 at 11:50AM
Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory infection caused by viruses that affect people's noses, throats, or lungs. It's characterized by cough, fatigue, headaches, body or muscle pains, and sore throat. More severe cases involve chills, diarrhea, fever, and vomiting.
The CDC notes that influenza can circulate and be detected all year-round. However, it's most common during the fall and winter seasons. The exact timing and duration of the flu season vary every year, but it usually begins in October, peaks between December and February, and can last until May.
Luckily, there is a way to help prevent acquiring and spreading the flu, and that is to get the flu vaccine as required.
In this blog, we'll answer some of the most important questions surrounding influenza and the timing of vaccination.
When Should I Get the Flu Vaccine?
It's best to get vaccinated before the flu season starts. Generally, September and October are good times to get inoculated.
Note that it takes about two weeks for the antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the virus. Thus, it's best to get the flu vaccine before the season when influenza viruses start to circulate in the community.
Ideally, most, if not all, people should be vaccinated by the end of October. The CDC adds some timing considerations for certain groups:
- Adults 65 years and older should not receive early vaccination (July or August) as protection capabilities may decrease over time. However, this can be reconsidered if they can't return at a later time to get vaccinated.
- Children should get their first dose as soon as the vaccine becomes available, with the second dose at least four weeks after the first.
- Pregnant women can get the vaccine, regardless of the pregnancy trimester. However, it is highly recommended to be undertaken during the third trimester to help protect themselves and the infant during the first months of life.
Why is it Important to Stay Up-to-Date with Vaccinations?
Every flu season is different, and the influenza virus can affect people in different ways. Each year, millions get the flu, hundreds of thousands are hospitalized, and tens of thousands die from flu-related illnesses.
The flu vaccine is needed every year for important reasons. First, your immune protection from the vaccination may decline over time, so getting it annually is crucial for maximum protection. Also, flu viruses constantly change, so vaccines are reviewed and updated annually to adjust the protection based on what research indicates as the most common virus of the upcoming flu season.
As such, everyone six months and older should get the annual vaccine to get the strongest protection against the flu.
In addition, vaccination has been proven to have numerous benefits, such as:
- Limiting the severity of illness in people who do get sick.
- Protecting pregnant women during and after pregnancy, including the newborn infant.
- Protecting people around you and others in the community.
- Providing a preventive tool for people with chronic health conditions.
- Reducing the risk of hospitalizations and flu-related deaths.
What Vaccines are Available and What Should I Get?
Different flu vaccines are approved for people in various categories. The CDC recommends using any licensed, age-appropriate influenza vaccine for the 2021-2022 season.
Standard-dose quadrivalent influenza shots manufactured using virus grown in eggs are approved for people six months of age and older. It can be administered with a needle (for six months and older) or with a jet injector (18-64 years old).
Quadrivalent cell-based influenza shots containing viruses grown in cell cultures are for people four years and older. Quadrivalent flu shots using adjuvant and quadrivalent high-dose influenza vaccines, both designed to create a stronger immune response, are licensed for 65 years and older.
Recombinant quadrivalent influenza shots, an egg-free vaccine, are for individuals 18 years and older.
Lastly, the live attenuated influenza vaccine is approved for ages two to 49. However, it can't be administered to people who are pregnant, immunocompromised, or individuals with certain health concerns.
If you have questions about which vaccine is best for you, talk to your doctor or any healthcare professional.
The Key Takeaway
It's important to note that the effectiveness of the influenza vaccine can vary based on different factors, like age, health status, and similarity or the match between the virus in the vaccine and in circulation.
It's also possible to still get sick with flu even after being vaccinated, for various reasons. For example, this may occur if you've been exposed to the virus prior to getting vaccinated or during the two-week incubation period. Likewise, you may be exposed to a different flu virus that is not yet included in the seasonal vaccine.
You might read this and think, "What's the point of getting vaccinated, then?"
Remember that getting vaccinated offers many important benefits for yourself, your family, and your community. It's the safest, most effective way to prevent getting ill, and also to protect those around you. Generally speaking, staying updated with your vaccinations is crucial in the health and survival of us all. Even if you do still fall ill, because you received the vaccine, your illness is likely to be less severe and shorter in the timeframe.
Getting vaccinated is the best defense — to fight and win — against illnesses like the flu. Thus, it's not just a personal decision. It's a way to contribute and help avoid, or at least minimize, the impact of influenza in our communities.
Ready to take the next step? Contact e7 Health to learn more or book your appointment online.
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