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About the Flu Vaccine

How Often Do I Need to Get the Flu Shot?

Unlike vaccines for other conditions, there is not a universal flu vaccine that provides lifelong immunity against all strains and subtypes of the flu. Part of the difficulty in creating a universal flu vaccine is the fact that the flu virus mutates very quickly. This means that last year’s vaccine may not be effective against this year’s virus. The vaccine is modified each year to include the specific strains of the influenza virus that are anticipated to be the most prevalent that year. The antibodies created by the vaccine also decrease with time, so the protection offered by the shot you got last fall will not be as strong this fall.

How Does the Flu Shot Work?

A flu shot works by using inactive or weakened versions of the virus to stimulate the body’s immune system into producing proteins called antibodies. If you are later exposed to the flu virus, these antibodies will recognize the virus and start to fight it. The vaccine itself cannot give you the flu. It is possible, however, to develop flu-like symptoms after getting a flu shot for one of the following reasons:

  • You may experience a low-grade fever and mild muscle aches for a couple of days following the vaccination in response to your body producing the antibodies. This is normal and is not the same as getting the flu.
  • It takes approximately two weeks for a flu shot to work. If you are exposed during that time, you could still develop the flu.
  • You may still get the flu if you are exposed to a strain that was not included in the vaccine. Even if the vaccine does not completely protect you from the flu, your symptoms will likely be less severe than if you did not get the vaccine.

What Is In the Influenza Virus Vaccine?

Starting each February, the World Health Organization determines which versions of the flu virus are most likely to circulate over the following winter. Production of the vaccine normally starts in March. Most years, the vaccine will include two strains of the type A influenza virus and one or two strains of the type B influenza virus. The type A virus is the most serious and is largely responsible for widespread outbreaks. The type B virus is typically less severe and tends to cause smaller outbreaks. The exact ingredients in the vaccine can vary based on the type of vaccine and the manufacturer. If you have concerns about any possible vaccine ingredients, you should discuss your concerns with your MD Now provider before getting the vaccination. You should also let your provider know if you have an egg allergy or if you have had an allergic reaction to the flu shot in the past.

Types

Which Type of Flu Vaccine Should I Get?

In addition to the standard flu vaccine, the vaccine also comes in a nasal spray, formulations designed to protect against more strains of influenza or to theoretically produce a stronger immune response, and formulations produced without egg protein. Your MD Now provider can help you choose the right vaccine for your needs.

Will the High-Dose Flu Shot Work in the Elderly?

Older adults are at high risk for serious flu-related complications. They also tend to have less-robust immune systems, so an older adult may not receive the same level of protection from the standard flu vaccine as a younger adult. The high-dose flu vaccine and the adjuvanted vaccine are specifically licensed for adults over the age of 65 and are formulated to create a stronger immune response.

Pregnancy and Babies

Are There Flu Vaccine Pregnancy Issues?

The flu vaccine is safe and recommended for pregnant women. Getting a flu shot during pregnancy can help protect you and your baby in several ways:

  • Pregnant women are at high risk of experiencing serious complications from the flu. Getting vaccinated may reduce your risk of serious illness and hospitalization.
  • Getting vaccinated can help prevent fetal health problems that can be caused by high fevers and other complications of the flu.
  • Getting vaccinated yourself can help provide your baby with some immunity until they are old enough to get vaccinated.

Does the Flu Shot Work for Babies?

According to the CDC, the influenza vaccine can significantly reduce a child’s risk of experiencing life-threatening complications from the flu. The flu shot is safe for children 6 months of age and older. Depending on the situation, children between 6 months and 8 years old may need two doses of the vaccine given a month apart to be fully protected. An MD Now provider can help you determine the most appropriate flu vaccine and number of vaccinations for your child.

Getting Your Flu Shot

 

When Is the Best Time to Get the Flu Shot?

Since it does take a couple of weeks for a flu shot to work, it is best to get the shot before the flu becomes widespread in your area. We recommend visiting your local MD Now flu shot clinic by the end of September; however, getting vaccinated late may still offer some protection and is better than not getting vaccinated at all.

Where Is the Best Place to Get a Flu Shot?

Make sure that you and your family are protected from the flu this flu season by stopping by your nearest MD Now clinic today to get your flu vaccination. We are open seven days a week, and you never need an appointment.

The content provided on the MD Now website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for receiving medical care and treatment from a qualified healthcare provider. Never delay seeking advice, evaluation, and treatment from a medical professional because of what you’ve read on this site, since the information provided may not apply to you or your symptoms.
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