Flu Vaccination

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends annual seasonal flu vaccination to prevent getting or spreading the flu. The strains that are included in the seasonal flu vaccines change every year, so you must be vaccinated against seasonal flu every year.

Who should get vaccinated

In March 2010, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended universal seasonal flu vaccination for people 6 months of age and older. It is especially important for the following groups to be vaccinated:

• Healthcare workers
• Children and teens 6 months to 19 years old
• Pregnant women
• People 50 years of age or older
• Nursing or group home residents
• Persons with heart, lung or kidney disease, diabetes, asthma, anemia, blood disorders, or weakened immune systems
• People who live with or care for those at high risk of flu-related complications (more)

When to get vaccinated

Seasonal flu vaccination should begin as soon as vaccine is available (usually September - October) and continue throughout the flu season. While flu outbreaks can happen as early as October, seasonal flu activity usually peaks in the winter.

Where to get vaccinated

Adults and children can get vaccinated against the flu at their healthcare providers’ offices or at a at public community clinic (see schedule below). Local pharmacies will vaccinate adults and some may vaccinate children, as well. Check with your local pharmacy to see if they will vaccinate children. To determine if your child needs a second dose of flu vaccine, contact his or her pediatrician or family physician.

Cost

Cost of the administration of vaccine varies, depending on where you are vaccinated and what type of insurance plan you have. Most health insurers will cover the cost of the vaccine if you receive it from your primary care provider. Check with your insurance plan or healthcare provider for more information.

What to expect after you get vaccinated

Most people do not experience serious side effects after receiving flu vaccines.  Side effects from the flu shot may include soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given, low fever, or aches for a day or two. For individuals vaccinated with the nasal-spray flu vaccine (FluMist), side effects may also include runny nose, wheezing, headache, and vomiting. Nasal-spray flu vaccine is made with live, weakened viruses, but it cannot cause the flu. This option is as safe and healthy as the flu shot.