Who Should Get The Flu Shot?
The short answer is — you. You should get the flu shot. CDC recommends that everyone six months old and older gets vaccinated on an annual basis. The rumors of people getting sick from the vaccine are not supported by science. The medicine is not a live vaccine — and is usually a combination of the most common strains estimated to affect our health in any given year. Flu season in the USA can begin as early as October and last until May the following spring.
So now is the best time to get the flu vaccine. Inexpensive doses are widely available in retail drugstore centers such as Walgreen’s, Target, CVS and much more. Of course, your primary care physician can provide the shot as well.
CDC | Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine
Why Is This Such A Big Deal?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), influenza (flu) is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. While recent flu seasons have seen the worst impact on high-risk persons, between 80% & 90% of flu-related deaths occurred in people 65 years and older. The number of flu-related deaths in the USA has been as high as 49,000 in just one year! Healthcare providers take the flu very seriously even rolling out annual Flu Shot Awareness campaigns and many requiring all hospital employees to get the shot.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center News | Flulapalooza Event Set
Is It Safe For Everyone?
CDC recommends that everyone six months of age and older get a flu shot every year. Since 2010, the CDC has had this strongly worded recommendation in place. If someone is ill or has other health-related issues, they may delay getting the shot. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have specific questions.
“For the health and safety of those who are most close to you, including co-workers, children, students and high-risk individuals, you owe it yourself to get vaccinated. This is more than just a personal decision. It’s a decision likely to affect many others as well.”
Will There Be A Shortage This Year?
While localized out-of-stock issues may occur, no mass shortages are anticipated this year according to the CDC. Private manufacturers project a distribution of between 157 million and 168 million doses nationwide for the 2016-2017 flu season. At the time of publication of this article, there are no reports of widespread shortages in middle Tennessee.
You Should Get The Flu Shot
With the holidays of Fall and Winter rapidly approaching, chances are pretty high, you’ll be around a lot of friends and family members. Now is a great time to consider getting vaccinated. No shortages. So lines should be short. You can swing by the pharmacy section of your favorite market while out shopping and get it done in minutes.
For the health and safety of those who are most close to you, including co-workers, children, students and high-risk individuals, you owe it yourself to get vaccinated. This is more than just a personal decision. It’s a decision likely to affect many others as well.
