Can Someone With Hiv Get A Flu Shot

Where To Get The Flu Vaccine

You can have the NHS flu vaccine at:

• your GP surgery
• a pharmacy offering the service
• your midwifery service if you’re pregnant
• a hospital appointment

If you do not have your flu vaccine at your GP surgery, you do not have to tell the surgery. This will be done for you.

It’s important to go to your vaccination appointments unless you have symptoms of COVID-19.

When To Get The Flu Jab:

The influenza vaccine protects against different strains of flu each season, so you will need to get one every year.

Doctors recommend that you get your shot between September and early November, but it can still be beneficial to get vaccinated until March.

You should also get a flu shot before you travel to certain countries.

You can get your flu jab through your GP and some pharmacies.

Who Should Get The Flu Vaccine

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older.

But it’s especially important that those in higher-risk groups get vaccinated to avoid health problems from the flu. They include:

• all kids 6 months through 4 years old
• anyone 65 years and older
• all women who are pregnant, are trying to become pregnant, have recently given birth, or are breastfeeding during flu season
• anyone whose immune system is weakened from medications or illnesses
• people who live in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes
• any adult or child with chronic medical conditions, such as asthma or diabetes
• kids or teens who take aspirin regularly and are at risk for developing Reye syndrome if they get the flu
• caregivers or household members of anyone in a high-risk group
• Native Americans and Alaska Natives

Babies younger than 6 months can’t get the vaccine. But if their parents, other caregivers, and older kids in the household get it, that will help protect the baby. This is important because infants are more at risk for serious problems from the flu.

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Can My Child Get The Flu Vaccine At The Same Time As Another Childhood Vaccine Including The Covid

Yes. It is safe to get the seasonal flu vaccine at the same time as any childhood vaccine, including the COVID-19 vaccine. Many children are behind with their childhood vaccines or boosters because of the COVID-19 pandemic and getting the vaccines at the same time can help them catch up more quickly.

For children 5 to 11 years old, it may be best to wait at least 14 days between the COVID-19 and other vaccines. The reason for this is that if any side effects happen, doctors will know which vaccine they are related to. But only space out vaccines if you are sure that no other vaccines your child needs will be given late.

How Is Hiv Transmitted Or Spread

The following are the means by which the HIV virus is spread:

• Vertical transmission. HIV can be spread to babies born to, or breastfed by, mothers infected with the virus.

• Sexual contact. In adults and adolescents, HIV is spread most commonly by sexual contact with an infected partner. The virus enters the body through the lining of the vagina, vulva, penis, rectum, or abraded or irritated tissues in the lining of the mouth through sexual activity.

• Blood contamination. HIV may also be spread through contact with infected blood. However, due to the screening of donated blood for evidence of HIV infection, the risk of acquiring HIV from blood transfusions is extremely low.

• Needles. HIV is frequently spread by sharing needles, syringes, or drug use equipment with someone who is infected with the virus. Transmission from patient to health care worker, or vice-versa, through accidental sticks with contaminated needles or other medical instruments, is rare.

No known cases of HIV/AIDS have been spread by the following:

• Saliva

• Malaise

• Enlarged lymph nodes

An HIV-infected child is usually diagnosed with AIDS when the immune system becomes severely damaged or other types of infections occur. As the immune system deteriorates, complications begin to develop. The following are some common complications, or symptoms, of the onset of AIDS. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

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Are All Types Of Vaccines Safe For People Living With Hiv

Vaccines are generally safe for people with HIV. However, some types of vaccines may not be recommended. For example, live attenuated vaccines like the chickenpox vaccinecontain a weakened but live form of the germ that causes the disease. LAVs can potentially cause an infection for people with HIV. However, depending on age, health, previous vaccinations, or other factors, some LAVs may be recommended. Talk to your health care provider about what is recommended for you.

What Is The Best Way To Prevent Flu

Getting a flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against the flu. If you are vaccinated, you are less likely to get the flu. And, if you do get sick, your illness will likely be milder, which helps keep you out of the hospital.

People with HIV should get a flu shot every year. It can provide safe and effective immunity throughout the flu season.

People with HIV should receive the flu shot rather than the nasal spray. The shot does not contain live flu virus whereas the nasal spray contains flu virus that is alive but weakened. People with weakened immune systems may have a higher risk of complications from the nasal spray.

You cannot get the flu from the flu shot. You should tell your provider if you are allergic to eggs or have had a bad reaction to other vaccines in the past before you receive the flu shot.

Visit hhs.gov/immunizations for more information about the flu vaccine and different ways to pay for vaccines.

Use the Flu Vaccine Finder to find a flu vaccine in your area.

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When Do I Need To Get The Seasonal Flu Vaccine

Get a flu vaccine by the end of October each year. After you get the vaccine, it takes about 2 weeks for your body to develop protection against the flu. Thats why its a good idea to get the vaccine before the flu starts to spread in your community.

If you dont get the vaccine by the end of October, its not too late. Getting the vaccine later can still protect you from the flu. Keep in mind that flu season can last as late as May.

Is It Safe For Children With Hiv To Receive Routine Immunizations

• MMR, or measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine, is safe to give to children with HIV, unless they have a severely weakened immune system.

• DTaP/Td vaccine is safe to give to infants and children with HIV.

• Hib and Hep B vaccines are safe to give to children with HIV.

• Hepatitis A and B vaccines are safe to give to HIV-positive children.

• VZIG should be considered for known HIV-positive children, depending on their immune status.

• A yearly influenza vaccine is recommended for children with HIV, as well as any individual living in the same household as a child with HIV. There are two types of influenza vaccine children and adults with HIV should receive the “shot” form of the vaccine–not the nasal spray form, as it contains a live virus. Pneumococcal vaccine can be safely administered to age-appropriate HIV-infected children.

Always consult with your child’s doctor regarding immunizations for an HIV-infected child.

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Chronic Diseases Recognised Under The Program

The flu vaccine is offered free of charge to people who have any of the chronic diseases listed below because their disease makes them more susceptible to complications from the flu.

• Chronic cardiac or pulmonary disorders severe enough to require regular medical attention or hospital care, including the following:
• Bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Who Should Not Get The Nasal Flu Vaccine

• Children less than 2 years old .
• Those who are pregnant and people who have weakened immune systems. It is a live virus vaccine.
• People who have to take acetylsalicylic acid on a daily basis.
• People with severe asthma who have been treated with steroids or had severe wheezing in the past 7 days .

These people should get the injected vaccine.

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Is There Medicine That Can Treat The Flu

Yes. If you get sick with the flu, your doctor may prescribe medicines called antiviral drugs. Antiviral drugs can help you feel less sick and shorten the time that youre sick. They can also help prevent serious flu complications.

If youre at high risk for serious flu complications and you get flu symptoms, tell your doctor about your symptoms right away.

Antiviral drugs work best if you start taking them in the first 2 days after you get sick. But they may still help if you take them later on, especially if youre very sick.

People Who Got The Pfizer Vaccine For Their First Covid

Anyone who gets a first dose of the Pfizer vaccine needs to get the Pfizer vaccine for their second shot 21 days later.

The same will be true of the Moderna vaccine, which will likely receive an emergency use authorization later this week.

At some point in time, research may show Covid vaccines can be used interchangeably. But until the issue is studied, the vaccines need to be used as authorized. No getting the Pfizer vaccine for the first dose and the Moderna the second, or vice versa.

This article has been updated to include information on the ingredients in the Pfizer vaccine.

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What Is The Flu

The flu is caused by certain viruses that can infect your nose, throat, and lungs. It spreads from person to person when someone with the flu coughs, sneezes, or talks. It’s also possible to get the flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

Symptoms of the flu may include:

• Cough

These side effects arent the flu. You cant get the flu from flu vaccines.

Vaccines: Who Should Avoid Them And Why

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend a range of vaccinations for Americans of all ages. These vaccines help prevent dangerous diseases that in the past would sicken countless people each year.

However, these vaccines may not be right for everyone. The CDC advises that certain people not get specific vaccines, or to wait before getting vaccinated. This is because different vaccines contain different components, and each vaccine can affect you differently. Your age, health conditions, and other factors all combine to determine if you should get each vaccine.

The CDC has prepared a detailed list of vaccines that specifies who should avoid getting each one and who should wait to get it. Certain individuals with a compromised immune system are typically advised to wait. And people who have experienced allergic reactions to a particular vaccine are generally told to avoid follow-up doses.

Here are guidelines for those who should avoid or delay some of the more common vaccines.

You should not get vaccinated for if you:

People with a history of should discuss the risks of the with their doctor.

• Mexico

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Which Vaccinations Are Recommended

1. Pneumonia: Having HIV greatly increases your risk of developing pneumococcal pneumonia. The vaccine takes 2 or 3 weeks to become effective. Vaccination should be repeated one time after 5 years

2. Hepatitis : Hepatitis can be caused by several different viruses. Men who have sex with men and people who use street drugs or who inject drugs have a higher risk of hepatitis A,B or C.Vaccines exist for hepatitis A and B.Hepatitis A is usually not serious but it can be for someone with a weakened liver. This includes people who are infected with hepatitis B or C. Two hepatitis A vaccine shots can protect you for about 20 years. Hepatitis B can cause serious disease, including cancer. If you were exposed to hepatitis B, your body will make antibodies. If your body didn’t, you should get vaccinated. A completed series of three hepatitis B shots should protect you for about 20 years. In HIV+ persons, antibody levels can determine who needs a booster shot.

3. Human Papilloma Virus : A vaccine is available against four strains of HPV, which causes anal warts and vaginal or anal cancer. The vaccine is recommended for boys and girls at age 11. . They work best in people who have not yet been sexually active.Influenza : A flu vaccine is offered each year, based on the most active type of flu.

Can I Take Antiviral Drugs

The CDC says people with HIV or AIDS who are exposed to the flu should get antiviral drugs for 7 days so they donât develop the illness. If you do get it, take antivirals within the first 2 days of getting sick. Theyâre available by prescription from your doctor. Itâs OK to take these medications with the drugs you take to manage HIV.

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Do Vaccines Cause Side Effects

Any vaccine can cause side effects. Side effects from vaccines are generally minor and go away within a few days.

Severe reactions to vaccines are rare. Before getting a vaccine, talk to your health care provider about the benefits and risks of the vaccine and possible side effects. Learn about vaccine safety and possible side effects.

When And Why Should I Get A Flu Shot

Answer: In brief, yes.

Influenza is a serious health threat for everyone, and the flu vaccine helps to prevent the serious complications of flu. I get one every year. It’s important to bear in mind that the vaccine does not cause flu, but some people can experience aches or low fevers as the immune system revs up to develop a response to the vaccine.

To read the rest of Dr. Young’s answer, head over to our .

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Who Can Have The Flu Vaccine

The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS to people who:

• are 50 and over
• have certain health conditions
• are pregnant
• are in long-stay residential care
• receive a carer’s allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
• live with someone who is more likely to get infections
• frontline health or social care workers

Should My Child Get A Flu Shot

Yes. All children over 6 months old should get a flu shot each year.

Babies and children 6 months to 9 years of age who have never had a flu shot will need 2 doses of the vaccine, given at least 4 weeks apart.

Those who have had one or more doses of the regular seasonal flu shot in the past, or children 9 years of age and older, will only need 1 dose per year.

The vaccine is especially important for children and youth who are at high risk of complications from the flu, including those who:

• are between 6 months and 5 years of age.
• have chronic heart or lung disorders serious enough to need regular medical follow-up.
• have chronic conditions that weaken the immune system, such as immune deficiencies, cancer, HIV or a treatment that causes immune suppression.
• have diabetes or other metabolic diseases.
• have chronic kidney disease.
• have to take acetylsalicylic acid on a daily basis.
• live in a chronic care facility.
• live in First Nation or Inuit communities.
• live with another child or adult who is at risk of complications from the flu.

Children under 5 years old are at higher risk of complications from the flu such as high fever, convulsions and pneumonia. If you have children younger than 5 years old or who have health complications, everyone living in the house should get a flu shot. This is especially important if you have children under 6 months old or if a member of your household is pregnant.

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Should People With Hiv Get Vaccines

Yes. Vaccines play an important role in keeping people healthy. They protect you against serious and sometimes deadly diseases.

Vaccines are especially important for people with chronic health conditions like HIV, which can make it harder to fight off vaccine-preventable diseases like pneumococcal disease or the flu. HIV can also make it more likely that youll have serious complications from those diseases, which is why getting recommended vaccines is an important part of your overall HIV medical care.

Vaccines are very effective and they dont just protect individuals from disease. They also protect communities. When most people in a community get vaccinated and become immune to a disease, there is little chance of a disease outbreak. Eventually, the disease becomes rareand sometimes, its wiped out altogether.

Measles Mumps And Rubella Vaccine

Measles, mumps, and rubella are very contagious diseases caused by a virus. It’s spread from person to person through the air. Children should get vaccinated when they turn 1 and have a second dose of the MMR vaccine between 4 and 6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for older people include:

• College-age students who don’t have immunization records to show they’ve been vaccinated need two doses of the vaccine, at least 28 days apart.
• Adults without proof of immunization should get at least a single dose of the MMR vaccine. Some adults at greater risk may need two doses, such as college students, healthcare workers, and international travelers.

You can get MMR vaccines at UHealth Clinic at Walgreens. Our providers know about the latest recommendations for MMR vaccines and health and safety guidelines. You get trusted advice and guidance to keep your entire family’s immunizations up to date. You can get the MMR vaccine conveniently at one of our locations across South Florida with same-day and evening appointments.

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