The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the annual flu vaccine as the first and most important step towards reducing the risk of seasonal influenza. The flu vaccine is available in two forms: the flu shot and a nasal spray. The flu shot is an inactivated (killed) virus vaccine that is suitable for most people, including those who are not candidates for the nasal spray.
Effectiveness of the Flu Shot
According to the CDC, the effectiveness of the flu shot depends on quality of the match between the vaccine and the flu viruses that are circulating that year. In years where the match is good, the flu shot reduces the risk of seasonal influenza by 70 to 90 percent in healthy adults.
Who Can Get the Flu Shot
The flu shot is FDA-approved for people 6 months and up. People with severe egg allergies or a previous history of life-threatening allergic reaction to the influenza vaccine should share this information with their healthcare provider before being vaccinated.
Who Should Get the Flu Shot
According to the CDC, people in the following groups should take care to get a flu shot each year: children between 6 months and 19 years, pregnant women, people 50 years and up, people with chronic medical problems, people who live in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities and people who live with or care for people at high risk for complications from influenza.
Administration of the Flu Shot
The flu shot is an intramuscular injection usually administered in the deltoid muscle of the upper arm. In infants, the front of the thigh muscle is usually used.
Common Side Effects
According to the FDA, the most common side effects of the flu shot are injection site pain, redness or swelling, low-grade fever, muscle pain and headaches. Symptoms usually resolve within one to two days and are rarely are severe enough to interfere with school or work.
