Be Proactive - Get a Flu Shot!
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| Can the shot give me the flu?
The flu vaccine is made from killed viruses. It cannot give you the flu. The vaccine does, however, cause your immune system to produce antibodies to knock out the live flu viruses. This response may produce flu-like symptoms.
Who should not get it?
Anyone who has an allergy to eggs (used to make the vaccine). Anyone with an allergy to any component of the vaccine including Thimerosal (found in contact lens solution). Anyone who is very ill with a high fever. Anyone with an active neurological disease. Anyone who has had a severe reaction to the flu vaccine in the past.
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Who should get it?
It is highly recommended for those at high risk for flu, such as those who are aged 50 or older; are ill with a disorder or on a medication that lowers the body's resistance to infection; have a chronic disease; live in a nursing home or chronic care facility; work in a health care facility, or anyone who provides in-home care to high-risk patients or who lives with a person at high risk for flu complications. It is also recommended for any woman who will be more than 3 months pregnant during the flu season (November through March). Please note: If you are pregnant, a consent form signed by your doctor will be necessary to participate in a Wellness, Inc. flu vaccination program.
What are the common side effects?
The most common side effect is a sore arm. Other side effects can include fever, chills, headaches, or muscle aches. These symptoms may last up to 48 hours. A rare side effect, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), a usually reversible paralysis, occurs in approximately ten of every one million cases.
When does it start to work?
It will take about two weeks for your body to build up immunity to the viruses. A flu shot can be given before or during the flu season (November through March). While the best time to get a flu shot is October or November, a flu shot given in December or later will still protect you against the flu.
What flu does it prevent?
Each year the CDC (Center for Disease Control) identifies three viruses likely to be the most prevalent during the flu season, the vaccine is designed to fight these three viruses. Without the protection of the vaccine, when one of them strikes, the lungs become congested and a cough develops. This damage usually heals within two weeks. Along with this respiratory inflammation, however, the flu can also cause fever, chills, weakness, nausea, loss of appetite, and muscle aches. A flu vaccine can prevent all these symptoms!
What is the cost?
Wellness, Inc. offers the flu vaccination at a low cost, but the fee may be subsidized. Please refer to your organization's promotional materials for more specific details.
If you have more questions:
For general information, call the CDC at their toll-free Immunization Hotline.
English: 1-800-232-2522
Espanol: 1-800-232-0233
Website: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/
Source: Center for Disease Control Website http://www.cdc.gov/flu/