How Effective Is The Flu Shot
In general, the flu vaccine will protect about two-thirds of persons who get it, says Jon McCullers, MD, the pediatrician-in-chief at Le Bonheur Childrens Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. This is modified by a lot of personal factors, such as age, previous flu vaccines, the circulating virus, and your immune system.
Getting the flu shot does not guarantee that you wont come down with the flu for a number of reasons. Flu viruses are constantly changing , making it possible for them to evade the protections people have built up through flu vaccines.
But while flu vaccines are not 100 percent effective, people who are immunized are less likely to develop flu complications than people who arent.
Even in years when the flu vaccine is a bad match, there is partial protection because ones immune system can make antibodies that still recognize and bind to the influenza virus when new strains emerge unexpectedly, says Kevin Harrod, PhD, a professor and infectious disease researcher at the University of Alabamas Heersink School of Medicine in Birmingham.
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Senior Flu Shot Side Effects
There are two different vaccines that are made specifically for people age 65 and older. One shot contains the exact same dose of antigen as the injection for younger adults, with the addition of an adjuvantan ingredient added to help spark a stronger immune response. The other shot is a high-dose version of the vaccine, with four times the amount of antigen.
Regardless which of these vaccines is administered, the common side effects are the same for all of the inactivated flu vaccines: sore arm, perhaps some muscle aches, or a mild fever. “All injectables have similar side effects,” says Dr. Schaffner. The rare serious side effects are the same too.
Side Effects In Children
Side effects in toddlers, children, and teenagers were very similar to side effects that occurred in adults. However, children also experienced fever higher than 100°F and belly pain.
Children younger than age 5 years with a history of wheezing or asthma may be at an increased risk of developing wheezing after receiving FluMist. So if your child has had asthma or wheezing that keeps returning, their doctor may recommend that they receive a flu shot instead of FluMist. Getting a flu shot shouldnt raise their risk of wheezing.
If your child does receive the FluMist vaccine, their doctor may monitor them afterward to treat any wheezing that occurs.
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Flu Shots Near Boston College In Chestnut Hill Ma
Our staff is trained to help you understand risks of the flu as well as administer the flu vaccine. During your visit, you will also learn about ways to help prevent the flu this season. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention advises that people six months of age or older be vaccinated against influenza annually. Since youre likely to fall into that criteria, you can just stop by the MinuteClinic at 140 Commonwealth Avenue and get your flu shot at your convenience while picking up your prescriptions or same-day photo order!
Can Flumist Spread Or Cause The Flu Through Shedding
Shedding is very common with the FluMist vaccine. However, its very unlikely that this shedding will spread or cause the flu.
Shedding occurs when a virus in your body replicates and is then released to the environment around you. For example, when you receive the FluMist nasal spray, the flu viruses will replicate in your nose. Then if you sneeze, you could spread the flu viruses.
In a looked at viral shedding in younger children, ages 6 to 59 months .* In this study, shedding occurred in:
- 79% of children in the study
- 89% of children ages 6 months through 23 months old
- 69% of children ages 24 months through 69 months old
Another study looked at whether people actually catch the flu when others shed the virus after getting FluMist. Children ages 8 to 36 months received FluMist or a placebo .
The researchers found that 80% of children who received FluMist shed the virus. However, the researchers found only one instance of a flu strain in a child who received a placebo. Based on these numbers, they estimated that the transmission rate of the virus from those who received FluMist vaccine was about 0.58%.
These study results indicate that its unlikely that you would become infected with the flu from someone else who received the FluMist vaccine.
If you have questions about shedding or spreading flu viruses after receiving FluMist, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
* The Food and Drug Administration has approved FluMist for use in children and adults ages 2 to 49 years.
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What Types Of Flu Vaccine Are There
For the 20212022 flu season, all flu vaccines will be quadrivalent, which means they protect against four different flu viruses: an influenza A virus, an influenza A virus, and two influenza B viruses.
- Standard-Dose Shot Made with virus grown in chicken eggs, these shots are approved for those who are 6 months or older.
- Cell-Based Shot These contain viruses grown in a culture made from mammal cells they are approved for anyone who is at least 4 years old. This vaccine is egg-free.
- Recombinant Shot These are synthetically created, egg-free vaccines approved for people age 18 and older.
- High-Dose Shot These shots contain a higher dose of antigen to help create a stronger immune response they are approved for people age 65 and older.
- Shot Made With an Adjuvant Approved for people age 65 and older, these shots contain an ingredient called an adjuvant that helps create a stronger immune response.
- Nasal Flu Vaccine Also known as the flu mist, the nasal flu vaccine contains live virus and is given via the nose. It is approved for people age 2 through 49. Live flu vaccines should not be given to people who are pregnant or immunocompromised.
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What The Data Shows So Far
A recent study published by the CDC, which examined data collected between August 12 and September 19 from 22,191 people who received an additional dose of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, found no unexpected patterns of adverse reactions.
Of those who received a third dose of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, 79.4% and 74.1% of recipients reported local or systemic reactions, respectivelymost of which were mild to moderate. 77.6% and 76.5% reported local or systemic reactions after the second dose, respectively.
The most commonly reported reactions were injection site pain, fatigue, and headache.
According to the CDC, the side effects reported after the third dose of the mRNA vaccine are similar to those reported after the second dose.
Similarly, clinical trial data showed that side effects following a booster dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are comparable to those experienced after the first dose. The most commonly reported side effects were injection site pain, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, and nausea.
Possible side effects for people receiving a COVID-19 vaccine include:
- Pain, redness, and swelling around the injection site
- Tiredness
- Nausea
Other limited studies have reported similar findings.
Additionally, no new safety concerns have been reported following a second booster dose of either mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
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Common Side Effects Of The Flu Shot
Some of the most common side effects of the flu vaccine include:
- Soreness, redness, a small rash, or swelling at the site of injection
- Headache
- Mild fever
- Nausea or stomach pain
Side effects typically begin shortly after injection and should only last a few days, according to the CDC.
“Headache, fever, and sore muscles are not a sign of allergic reactions,” says Michael McNeil, MD MPH, Team Lead for Vaccine Safety Datalink at the CDC’s Immunization Safety Office. “These reactions can occur as a result of the patient’s immune system responding to a vaccine.”
Most of these side effects are unavoidable, but to avoid arm soreness, try taking ibuprofen two hours before you receive your vaccination.
Important: While some people believe you can catch influenza from the flu shot, this is not true, since the flu vaccine does not contain any active viral particles.
Are Vaccinations Required For Students To Go Back To School
Many school systems now require 5th and 6th graders to receive a Tdap immunization. Meningitis vaccinations are also required by some colleges before incoming freshmen are allowed to move into dorms or attend classes. To find out what vaccines are required for your individual situation, please contact your local school district or specific college.
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Flumist For Preventing The Flu
FluMist is FDA-approved to help prevent influenza caused by the influenza A or influenza B virus. FluMist is for use in children and adults ages 2 to 49 years.
The flu is a contagious viral infection that affects your respiratory system. The flu can be mild or serious, and in rare cases, it can lead to death. Because of the possible risks, its recommended that you receive a flu vaccine each year to help prevent you from getting the flu.
Symptoms of both forms of influenza include:
Effectiveness for preventing the flu
FluMist was studied in a clinical trial of adults ages 18 to 49 years. Researchers followed people in the study over the course of 7 weeks. People who were vaccinated with FluMist were 10.9% less likely to develop an illness with a fever than people who received a placebo. The placebo was a nasal spray that didnt contain the vaccine.
People vaccinated with FluMist were also 23.7% less likely to develop an upper respiratory infection with a fever, compared with people who received a placebo. Upper respiratory infections include the common cold.
FluMist wasnt compared with the flu shot in clinical trials of adults.
Headache And Other Aches And Pains
After your shot, you might have headaches or some achiness and pain in the muscles throughout your body. This also usually happens on the first day and goes away within two days. Taking pain relievers can help ease your discomfort.
Its controversial whether its safe to take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to treat these vaccine side effects.
Some research suggests that these medications might change or decrease how your body responds to the vaccine. One study involving children found that taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen didnt reduce the bodys response to the flu vaccine.
Other research is mixed. Its still unclear whether these medications should be avoided.
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What’s New With The 2021
There are many types of flu virusesand each consistently changes. This means that the U.S. flu vaccines are reviewed every year to prevent against the currently circulating flu viruses. This year’s vaccines are all “quadrivalent,”according to the CDC, meaning they’re designed to protect against four different viruses that cause the flu.
Who Should Not Get A Flu Shot
- Children younger than 6 months
- People with severe allergies to any ingredient in the flu vaccine
- People who have had a severe allergic reaction to the flu vaccine in the past
People who have an allergy to eggs or who have had Guillain-Barré syndrome should talk to their healthcare provider before getting a flu vaccine. In addition, If youre not feeling well, you should check with your doctor before getting vaccinated.
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Is There A Difference Between The Flu Vaccine That I Get At My Doctor’s Office Vs Cvs Pharmacy
Manufacturers create over 156 million flu vaccine doses per season and distribute them across the U.S. Manufacturers send the same vaccine to pharmacies and other vaccine providers . However, all types of vaccinations might not be available at all CVS Pharmacy locations.
Flu shots available when immunizing pharmacist or MinuteClinic health care provider is on duty, while supplies last. Age restrictions apply. Eligible patients will not pay any co-payments unless otherwise required by their plan, including Medicare Part B.
This information should be used for general education purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Neither CVS Pharmacy, Inc., its subsidiaries or affiliates, nor any other party assumes liability for loss or damage due to reliance on this information.
Flu shots available when immunizing pharmacist or MinuteClinic health care provider is on duty, while supplies last. Age restrictions apply. Eligible patients will not pay any co-payments unless otherwise required by their plan, including Medicare Part B.
This information should be used for general education purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Neither CVS Pharmacy, Inc., its subsidiaries or affiliates, nor any other party assumes liability for loss or damage due to reliance on this information.
Have You Already Added Your Minor Child To Your Cvs Account
If youâre trying to view your minor childâs vaccination record, visit care.cvs.com
- Login with your CVS.com account details
- You may be asked to verify your identity before you can view your childâs record
- Once you have logged in and verified your identity, visit âVaccinationsâ on care.cvs.com
*for covid-19 and more: Availability varies by state based on regulations. This is not an allâinclusive list of who should be vaccinated. Age restrictions apply. Talk to your CVS Pharmacy® immunizing pharmacist to see if any of these vaccines are right for you.
*for vaccination records: Availability varies by state based on regulations. This is not an all-inclusive list of who should be vaccinated. Age restrictions apply. Talk to your CVS Pharmacy® immunizing pharmacist to see if this vaccine is right for you.
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Does Flumist Protect Me From Covid
No, FluMist doesnt protect against COVID-19. No flu vaccine will protect against COVID-19 because influenza viruses are different from the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
However, its still important to be vaccinated against the flu. This is because its possible to become infected with both the flu and COVID-19. Having both infections can increase your risk for serious effects such as trouble breathing and, in some cases, death.
Also, when you have an infection, such as the flu, your immune system tries to fight the infection. As a result, it may be harder for your immune system to fight off additional illnesses such as COVID-19.
So, although FluMist wont protect you from COVID-19, it should still protect you from the flu. And this could leave your body better prepared to fight off COVID-19 or other illnesses.
If you have questions about FluMist or COVID-19, talk with your doctor.
Redness Or Swelling At The Injection Site
Anytime you pierce the skin and put something into the body it can cause a topical reaction, says Dr. Adalja. This is just a sign that your immune system is activating.
But this redness and swelling where you get your shot is a common side effect that only typically lasts a few days. Itll go away on its own, but if its really bugging you, you can take ibuprofen or acetominophen .
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Flu Shot Side Effects : What’s Normal And What’s Cause For Concern
All vaccines have the potential to cause side effects, and that includes your yearly flu shot. But most are totally normal.
Mercey Livingston
CNET Contributor
Mercey Livingston is a health and wellness writer and certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. She’s written about fitness and wellness for Well+Good, Women’s Health, Business Insider, and Prevention.com among others. When not writing, she enjoys reading and trying out workout classes all over New York City.
The coronavirus is still a very real concern this fall, but so is the influenza virus, aka the flu. The good news is we have very safe and effective tools for fighting and preventing both potentially deadly viruses, thanks to the COVID-19 vaccines and the flu vaccine.
According to the CDC, flu shots are safe and one of the best ways to keep from getting and spreading the flu to others. And people who get vaccinated and get sick anyway often experience less severe symptoms. If you’re thinking of getting vaccinated for both COVID-19 and the flu, the CDC says it is safe to get both vaccines together .
The simple fact is, flu vaccines can save lives. There are plenty of myths out there about the flu vaccine, such as the idea that it can give you the flu. While that’s not true, you can experience some side effects from the flu shot. The side effects are usually mild and nothing to worry about, but it’s important to know about them so you’re not worried when you get your vaccine.
How Long Does It Take To Work
FluMist takes about 2 weeks to work. This is why its important to get FluMist before the start of the flu season. Your body needs enough time to develop antibodies against the flu viruses.
In some cases, your child may need two doses of FluMist. . It typically takes
The Food and Drug Administration approves vaccines such as FluMist to treat certain conditions.
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Flu Shots Near Columbia University In New York Ny
Our staff is trained to help you understand risks of the flu as well as administer the flu vaccine. During your visit, you will also learn about ways to help prevent the flu this season. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention advises that people six months of age or older be vaccinated against influenza annually. Since youre likely to fall into that criteria, you can just stop by the MinuteClinic at 116th and Broadway and get your flu shot at your convenience while picking up your prescriptions or same-day photo order!