Health & Fitness
Here's Why You Really Need To Get A Flu Shot This Year
Banner - University Medicine experts answer frequently asked questions about the flu vaccine and who should get it.
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The new coronavirus is still here and, unfortunately, flu season is also on its way. It’s not possible to definitively predict what will happen in the weeks and months to come, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expects that flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will both be spreading in the fall and winter. That’s why experts say it’s more important than ever to get your flu shot this year.
There's no vaccine available yet that can prevent you from getting the coronavirus, but the flu shot is your single best defense against catching influenza. According to Banner Health, the best time to get a flu shot is between September and November. (Flu season usually peaks between January and March.)
Keep reading for more information on who should get the flu shot and for answers to frequently asked questions about the seasonal flu vaccine.
If you have a medical emergency, please call 911.
Who Should Get The Flu Shot?
The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every season, with rare exceptions. There are flu shots approved for use in children as young as 6 months old and flu shots approved for use in adults 65 years and older. Flu shots also are recommended and approved for use in pregnant women and people with certain chronic health conditions.
Talk to your health care provider if you have a question about whether you should be vaccinated or which type of vaccine is best for you.
Which Type of Flu Vaccine Is Right For You?
According to Banner Health, there are two main types of flu vaccine.
1. The “Flu Shot”: This is an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) given with a needle, usually in the arm. It is approved for use in healthy people and those with chronic medical conditions.
2. The Nasal-Spray Flu Vaccine: This vaccine, made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu, is approved for healthy people 2 years to 49 years of age who are not pregnant.
Who Should Not Be Vaccinated?
There are some people who should not be vaccinated without first consulting with their health care provider. According to Banner Health, this group includes:
- People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs.
- People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past.
- People who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome within six weeks of getting a previous influenza vaccine.
- Children less than 6 months of age.
- People who have a moderate or severe illness with a fever should wait to get vaccinated until their symptoms lessen.
Can You Still Get The Flu If You Get The Flu Shot?
According to Banner Health experts, getting vaccinated is still the single most effective measure you can take to prevent getting the flu. If you do get the flu, the fact that you have been vaccinated will likely decrease the severity of your flu symptoms..
Getting the flu shot cannot cause you to get the flu. According to Banner Health experts, if a person is feeling poorly after getting the shot, it may be because they have already been exposed to the flu virus. It takes up to two weeks before the shot can become completely effective.
Are There Any Downsides To Getting The Flu Shot?
Some people may experience mild symptoms in reaction to the flu vaccine. According to Banner Health, the worst side effect you’re likely to get from the flu shot is having a sore arm for a day or two. With the nasal mist flu vaccine, you may experience some nasal congestion, a runny nose, sore throat or cough. The risk of a severe allergic reaction is less than 1 in 4 million.
Where To Get A Flu Shot
Flu shots are available at all Banner Urgent Care locations. You can reserve your spot online so you don’t have to wait.
Find A Banner Urgent Care Location Near You
Other Ways To Prevent Sickness
While the single best way to prevent the flu is get vaccinated each fall, having good health habits and following the recommended safety protocols currently in place to stop the spread of COVID-19 can also help stop the spread of disease.
To stay healthy during flu season, Banner Health recommends:
- Getting your flu shot.
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
- Staying home when you are sick.
- Covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Cleaning your hands often.
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Learn More About Fighting The Flu From Banner — University Medicine
Sources:
Banner Health: Expert Answers To Common Questions About The Flu Shot
Banner Health: Fight The Flu
Banner Health: Flu Shots
Banner Health: Flu Vaccine Facts & Myths
Banner Health: What We Know About (COVID-19) Coronavirus Disease 2019
CDC: Frequently Asked Influenza (Flu) Questions
CDC: Who Needs A Flu Vaccine And When