Duration of Influenza Vaccine and Timing of Administration: When is the Ideal Time for Your Flu Shot?
In the approach of the upcoming flu season, it's essential to understand the importance of getting vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends healthcare professionals offer vaccines to the public in September or October.
Vaccination is crucial for people who are at an increased risk of flu-related complications, such as the elderly, those with chronic health conditions, and children between 6 months and 5 years old. Most people over 6 months old should receive the flu vaccine every year, but children under 6 months old should not.
But what about the vaccine's effectiveness? It's possible to get the flu after being vaccinated, but the condition may be less severe and vaccination may reduce the risk of hospitalization. Influenza viruses can mutate from one season to the next, which may make the vaccine less effective. However, getting the flu vaccine every fall before influenza virus activity begins to pick up within your area is the best way to decrease your chances of getting sick with the flu.
The flu shot cannot cause the flu, but side effects may occur, including swelling, soreness, redness, low-grade fever, and general aches and pains. People who have previously experienced an allergic reaction to a flu vaccine, complications from vaccines, or Guillain-Barré syndrome may need to consult their doctor before getting the vaccine.
As of the 2024 to 2025 flu season, all available flu vaccines are trivalent, protecting against two types of influenza viruses: influenza A and influenza B. Some flu vaccines contain a small amount of egg protein, but people with an egg allergy can still receive the vaccine in a setting where healthcare professionals can monitor for allergic reactions.
For those 65 years old and older, a high-dose flu vaccine (Fluzone High Dose) is available to provide better protection. Additionally, some children between the ages of 6 months and 8 years may require two doses of the influenza vaccine during their first season to ensure adequate protection.
Newly developed seasonal influenza vaccines are being provided for the 2025/2026 season, with vaccines like Efluelda® adhering to WHO and EU recommendations for this period and showing enhanced immune response in adults over 60 years.
Good hygiene practices and avoiding crowds are recommended during the two weeks after receiving the flu vaccine, as you can still contract the flu during this period. Late vaccination can still provide protection, as influenza can circulate in communities until the end of March or longer.
Vaccination is a simple and effective way to protect yourself and those around you from the flu. By getting vaccinated, you're taking a significant step towards a healthier flu season.
Read also:
- Hospital's Enhancement of Outpatient Services Alleviates Emergency Department Strain
- Increased Chikungunya infections in UK travelers prompt mosquito bite caution
- Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister holds discussions on the prevailing circumstances in Almaty
- In the state, Kaiser Permanente boasts the top-ranked health insurance program
