Got Your Flu Shot Yet? It’s Not Too Late!
December 3, 2017
For millions of people every year, the flu means battling a fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue and spending days in bed. But for those at high risk for flu complications—pregnant women, young children and adults over the age of 65 or who have diabetes, asthma or heart disease—the flu can mean staying sick longer, a hospital stay and even death.
It’s National Influenza Vaccination Week. You may think, now that the holidays are upon us, it is too late to get vaccinated. Or maybe you think you do not have time.
But it is not too late! And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends you make time to get vaccinated against the flu.
You can help fight the flu.
While the flu season can start as early as October or November, it usually peaks between December and March and can last as late as May. Getting vaccinated sooner makes it more likely you will protect yourself and your family from getting sick with the flu. But vaccination into December and beyond can still benefit you and your loved ones.
The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone six months of age and older. Getting vaccinated is the first, best step in fighting the flu. And for those at high risk of serious flu complications, the flu vaccine is even more important. To learn more about high-risk conditions, visit the CDC’s People at High Risk of Developing Flu-Related Complications.
What you need to know about the flu vaccine:
- It takes about two weeks for the antibodies in the vaccine that protect against influenza viruses to develop in your body. So the sooner you get vaccinated, the better your chances to get ahead of flu viruses that can make you sick.
- How well the vaccine works varies from year to year, but studies show vaccination succeeds in reducing flu illnesses, doctor visits and hospitalizations.
- Hundreds of millions of Americans have safely received flu vaccines for more than half a century, and extensive research supports the safety of seasonal flu vaccines.
- Flu vaccines have been updated to better match this season’s circulating viruses.
- This flu season, the CDC recommends getting a flu shot, not using the nasal spray vaccine.
Find a place near you and get vaccinated.
Many places offer flu vaccines—doctor’s offices, pharmacies, health centers, some employers and schools and more. So the next time you see a sign that reads, “Get your flu vaccine here,” stop and get one. Encourage your friends and family to do the same.
Use the HealthMap Vaccine Finder to find a location near you to get your flu vaccine.
For more information about the seriousness of the flu and the benefits of flu vaccination, talk with your doctor or other health care provider. You can also visit the CDC’s website about flu.
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