As flu season is around the corner, health officials are reminding people to get vaccinated at the right time to get the maximum protection against the influenza virus that affects thousands of people in the U.S. every year.
When Is the Right Time to Get a Flu Shot?
Although influenza vaccines are available from July, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people above the age of 65 and pregnant women in the first or second trimester avoid getting vaccination during that time unless they cannot get the shot later in the season.
“For most persons who need only one dose of influenza vaccine for the season, vaccination should ideally be offered during September or October. However, vaccination should continue after October and throughout the season as long as influenza viruses are circulating and unexpired vaccine is available,” the CDC said in a news release last week.
“Certain children aged 6 months through 8 years need two doses; these children should receive the first dose as soon as possible after the vaccine is available, including during July and August. Vaccination during July and August can be considered for children of any age who need only one dose for the season and for pregnant persons who are in the third trimester during these months if the vaccine is available,” the agency added.
The flu vaccines for the 2023-24 season are quadrivalent (targets protection against four different flu viruses).
Why Are Flu Shots Important?
Reduce the Severity of the Flu
People who take flu shots have 40% to 60% reduced risk of going to the doctor with flu. As vaccine reduces the severity of infection, those who take flu shots are at 31% lower risk of death from flu when compared with the unvaccinated.
Reduce Flu-Related Hospitalizations
According to CDC reports, flu shots curbed around 7.5 million influenza illnesses and 105,000 flu-related hospitalizations in 2019-2020. It is estimated that around 650,000 people can die of the flu every year around…
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