Influenza Vaccine 

What is the Influenza Virus and WHY Get Vaccinated?

Influenza is a virus that spreads from an infected person to others.  The influenza season, in the United States, is from November to April every year.  About 20,000 people in the United States die each year from flu-related complications. The viruses that cause influenza change often.  Consequently, the vaccine is updated each year by replacing at least one of the vaccine viruses with a newer one.  This is done to make sure that the vaccine stays up to date with the current viruses.  Protection for influenza develops 1-2 weeks after getting the vaccination and may last up to one year. The best time to get the vaccine is between September and December, each year.  Influenza can be given at the same time as other vaccinations, including the Pneumonia vaccine. 

Influenza Can Cause:

1.      Fever                                      

2.      Sore throat

3.      Cough

4.      Muscle aches

5.      Headache

6.      Chills

  Who Should Get The Vaccine?

1.      Anyone 65 years or older

2.      Residents of long term care facilities, (Nursing or Retirement Homes)

3.      Anyone with a serious chronic (long term) health condition:

a)      Heart Disease

b)      Anemia or other blood disorders

c)      Asthma

d)      Kidney Disease

e)      Diabetes

f)        Lung Disease 

4.      Anyone whose immune system is weakened from:

a)      HIV/AIDS virus

b)      Long-term treatment from steroids

c)      Cancer treatment with radiation or drugs 

5.      Women who will be more than 3 months pregnant during the influenza season. 

6.      Physicians, Nurses or anyone who comes in contact with people who are at risk for influenza. 

7.      Others who should consider getting the vaccine include:

a)      People who provide community service

b)      Travelers to the Southern Hemisphere between April & September.

c)      Students and Staff at schools and colleges, (to prevent outbreaks).

d)      ANYONE who wants to reduce the chance of catching influenza. 

Is There Anyone Who Should NOT Get The Shot?

1.      Anyone who has had a serious allergic reaction to eggs.

2.      Anyone who has had a serious reaction to a previous influenza vaccine.

3.      Anyone who has a history of Guillain-Barre’ Syndrome. 

What Are The Risks From Getting The Vaccine?

A vaccine, like any medication, has the potential for side effects.  Side effects, from the newer vaccines, are rare.   The viruses in the vaccine are inactive, so you cannon get influenza from the vaccine.  Common side effects may be:

1.      Soreness or redness at the injection site.

2.      Mild fever.

3.      Mild Aches

If these side effects occur, they usually begin soon after the shot and may last 1-2 days.

Life-threatening allergic reactions are extremely rare.  Serious reactions occur within a few minutes to a few hours after the shot. 

What Is A Serious Reaction To The Vaccine?

1.      Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction could be: difficulty breathing, wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness or rapid heart beat. 

2.      High fever or behavior changes could also be a reaction to the vaccine.  

What Should You Do?

1.      Call a doctor right away, or have someone drive you to the Emergency Department of the hospital. 

2.      Tell the doctor what symptoms were seen and when the vaccination was given.   

Check with your physician’s office about getting a flu shot.  The Lewis and Clark County Health Department offers the vaccine Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  The fee for the vaccine is based on a sliding fee scale.  The Senior Center, Urgent Care, and even some grocery stores and retail stores are offering the shot at specific times and dates.   

This information is obtained from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  For more information call 1-800-232-7468 or visit their website at http://www.cdc.gov/nip.