Are There Some People Who Should Not Get A Flu Vaccine
People who should not get a flu shot include:
- Infants under age 6 months
- Anyone who has had a severe reaction to a past flu shot or nasal spray
- Someone with Guillain-Barre syndrome or chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
- People with moderate to severe illness with a fever they should be vaccinated after they have recovered.
It’s long been advised that people with allergies to eggs should not get the flu shot. However, the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology says the vaccine contains such a low amount of egg protein that it’s unlikely to cause an allergic reaction in those with an egg allergy. If you have a severe egg allergy , talk to your doctor before getting the flu vaccine. The vaccine should be given by a health care provider with experience in managing allergic signs and symptoms and should be watched closely for at least 30 minutes. Also, flu vaccines that do not contain eggs are available.
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.
Moderna Booster Faq: Covid Shot Side Effects Vaccine Effectiveness What To Know About Third Dose
A third of of the US is now boosted with a third dose of the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine or a second of Johnson & Johnson’s. All three boosters shots are effective in protecting against hospitalization and death, even from the highly contagious omicron variant. Research released by the UK on Friday continues to underscore the importance of boosters. The UK Health Security Agency’s report notes that 20 weeks after the second dose of mRNA vaccines, protection against the omicron variant decreases to only 10%, with a booster, or third dose, bringing protection back up to 90%.
The UK report also strengthened the case for the Moderna booster, noting that protection against omicron was higher in those who received a Moderna booster after two Pfizer shots compared with those who received a third Pfizer shot. The Moderna booster was also slightly more effective than Pfizer for people who received two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone 16 years and older get a booster six months after their second dose of Moderna or Pfizer. The CDC also recommends a booster for adolescents 12 and up who have a weakened immune system, are undergoing cancer treatment or have certain other health conditions.
Countries such as Germany, Israel and the UK are weighing a possible fourth booster, and Dr. Anthony Fauci, chief medical adviser to President Joe Biden, said a fourth jab was “conceivable” in the US, too.
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What This Means For You
There is no evidence that this year’s flu shot is causing more side effects than in previous years. However, because the flu season is likely to be worse this year and may overlap with a winter spike in COVID-19 cases, it is extremely important to get vaccinated for both COVID and the flu this fall.
Should People Who Are Immunocompromised Get A Flu Shot
Another misconception is that individuals with chronic conditions who may be immunocompromised may have a worse reaction to the vaccine because they are more vulnerable. Health officials say this is not so.
When we say that the vaccine is universally recommended for ages 6 months and above, we mean it, says Dr. Conway. The only group that should absolutely not get it again would be somebody with a genuine allergic reaction to the vaccine obviously, they should avoid it.
Older people and people with underlying conditions should really even be higher priority than others to get the flu vaccine, says Dean Winslow, MD, an infectious disease specialist and professor of medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine in California.
The fact is, the flu can be much more disastrous for these high-risk populations.
People with asthma, heart disease, diabetes, and a number of other chronic health conditions are at a higher risk of developing serious flu complications that can result in hospitalization or even death, per the CDC.
Indeed, during recent flu seasons, 9 out of 10 people hospitalized with the flu had at least one underlying health condition, the agency notes.
Being pregnant also puts you at an increased risk of more severe illness from the flu. This is due to changes in the immune system, heart, and lungs that occur during pregnancy .
The flu vaccine offers protection against the flu to both the mother and the baby.
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Why Is The Flu Vaccine Recommended
While the flu vaccine isn’t 100% effective, it still greatly reduces a person’s chances of catching the flu, which can be very serious. It also can make symptoms less severe if someone does still get the flu after immunization.
Even if you or your kids got the flu vaccine last year, that won’t protect you this year, because flu viruses change. That’s why the vaccine is updated each year to include the most current types of the virus.
Sometimes the same types are included in the vaccine one year after the next. Even then, it’s still important to get the yearly flu vaccine because the body’s immunity against the influenza virus declines over time.
When Is The Best Time To Get A Flu Shot
The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot.
The best time to get a flu vaccine this year is before the end of October, according to recommendations from the CDC.
For adults, especially those older than 65, vaccination should occur later, rather than earlier in July or August because protection can decrease over time.
Children should get vaccinated as soon as it’s available.
People in their third trimester of pregnancy can also get vaccinated early. The CDC says it can help protect infants during their first few months of life, before they are old enough to be vaccinated themselves.
It takes two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop and provide protection against the flu.
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Making Sure Vaccines Are Safe
Vaccines must be tested to make sure theyre safe and effective before being approved for use in Canada. Once a vaccine has been approved for use in Canada, its monitored for:
- safety
- effectiveness in people
Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada share the responsibility for ongoing safety monitoring, which also involves:
- provincial, territorial and local public health authorities
- health care professionals
Experts have developed many different types of vaccines to protect us from germs .
Rare Side Effects Of The Flu Nasal Spray Vaccine
As with all vaccines, there’s a very small chance of a severe allergic reaction . The overall rate of anaphylaxis after vaccination is around one in 900,000 .
Anaphylaxis is very serious but it can be treated with adrenaline. When it happens, it does so within a few minutes of the vaccination. Staff who give vaccinations have all been trained to spot and deal with anaphylactic reactions and children recover completely with treatment.
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How Can I Prepare My Child For The Flu Shot
If your child is anxious about the flu shot, you can help prepare them for the procedure. For younger children, you can cuddle, play with a favorite toy, smile, reassure. If possible, hold your child in your lap. If you look anxious and worried, your child may feel that the situation is threatening or scary.
For older children, you can talk them through the experience. Be honest. Tell them they will feel the vaccination as a little pinch, but the pain will not last very long. You can also ask your childs medical provider to use a pain modifier, such as a numbing cream, spray, or a Buzzy a small device that combines an ice pack and vibration-to help alter the sensation of pain at the injection site.
For more information about distracting your child during a medical procedure, visit uichildrens.org/distraction.
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.
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When Can I Get A Covid
If you got a Moderna or Pfizer jab, you’re eligible for a booster six months after the date of the second shot listed on your vaccination card. If you got the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you’ll want a booster two months later .
The CDC and other health authorities are now urging people to get boosters as soon as they’re eligible, to keep the immune response against omicron, delta and other coronavirus variants of concern as strong as possible.
On Dec. 2, Biden outlined a plan for Medicare to contact the 64 million people it serves and for AARP to reach out to its 38 million members about getting a booster shot. And nationwide pharmacy chains like Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid are contacting customers who got a vaccine at their stores when it’s time to schedule a booster.
Some countries, including Germany and South Korea, have reduced the waiting time for booster shots to 3 months. In August, President Biden discussed the possibility of reducing the waiting period for booster shots, but no explicit action has been taken by US officials yet.
Should I Get Vaccinated If Im Pregnant
Yes. Changes in your immune, heart, and lung functions during pregnancy make you more likely to get seriously ill from flu. CDC recommends pregnant women get a yearly seasonal flu shot by the end of October, if possible, to ensure best protection against flu. You can be vaccinated during any trimester of your pregnancy. Getting vaccinated can also help protect your baby after birth from flu.
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Most Vaccine Side Effects Are Minor And Only Last A Day Or Two
Many people who receive vaccines have no side effects. For those that do, the side effects are usually very minor, like soreness, redness, or swelling where the vaccine was given, or a mild fever. These side effects usually only last a day or two. Some side effects are from the process of immunization, such as those related to fear of getting a needle .
What Side Effects Could Occur Following The Flu Shot
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention lists several minor problems that can occur after receiving the flu vaccine. The most common side effects are soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given. Less common are cough, fever, aches, and headaches. Rarely, more serious adverse effects may occur, including a neurologic condition, Guillain-Barré Syndrome , or severe allergic reaction, which occurs approximately once every million doses of vaccine given.
For minor side effects such as redness and swelling, apply a cold pack to the injection site and give acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
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Natural Immunity And Disease Prevention
Vaccines help your immune system get ready to protect against a disease without making you sick.
You may become naturally immune after being exposed to a disease. However, the risks of severe complications or even death are much greater than the risks of a severe reaction after getting a vaccine.
For example, if your child gets meningitis naturally, they have a 1 in 10 chance of dying. Those that survive have a 1 in 5 chance of:
- deafness
- loss of limbs
- brain damage
An infected person can also spread the disease to others in the community before they show symptoms. Groups at risk include:
- older adults
- those with underlying health conditions
What Is An Adverse Event
An adverse event following immunization is a serious or unexpected reaction that happens after someone receives a vaccine. An adverse event may or may not have been caused by the vaccine.
It is important to note that most children who have an adverse event following immunization can safely get immunized again. Your health care provider will tell you what is recommended for your child.
Learn more about vaccine safety monitoring and adverse events here.
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Everyone 6 Months And Older Should Get The Flu Shot
The flu shot is your best defence against the flu. The flu shot is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older.
It can save lives by:
- protecting you, if you’re exposed to the virus
- preventing you from getting very sick
- protecting people close to you:
- because you’re less likely to spread the virus
- who are at higher risk of serious flu complications if they get the flu
The flu shot wont protect you against COVID-19.
Does The Flu Shot Protect Against All Kinds Of Flu
Every year, the flu viruses change. Researchers work to identify the flu strains most likely to circulate the next flu season, but it is always possible for another flu strain to cause disease. However, even in years when there is not an exact match between the vaccine strains in the vaccine and those circulating in the community, there is usually some protection provided by the vaccine.
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Symptoms Vs Side Effects
If your child feels unwell after getting the flu vaccine, it is understandable to assume that it was related to the shot. However, it may just be a coincidence, especially if your child is in daycare or around other sick children.
It is important to differentiate this because some parents will attribute a symptom or illness to the flu shot and swear to never use it again. This would increase the risk of the child catching influenza and developing a serious complication. Before drawing a conclusion, ask yourself a few questions:
In the unlikely event your child has the same reaction year after year, then it is probably not a coincidence. You may need to avoid the flu shot and speak with your pediatrician about using FluMist as an alternative.
You should also report the reaction to the Vaccine Adverse Event Report System, a safety surveillance program managed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Are There Side Effects To The Flu Vaccine
Some people experience soreness or swelling at the site of the flu shot injection. And some have mild side effects like a headache, cough, body aches, or fever. These usually clear up in about one to two days.
The nasal spray sometimes causes mild symptoms, including:
- runny nose, congestion, or cough
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Flu Shot Side Effects For Children And Toddlers
The flu shot is made with an inactivated flu virus, so it can’t give you influenza, says Daisy Dodd, M.D., a pediatric infectious disease doctor for Kaiser Permanente in Southern California. Even so, people can have minor side effects after receiving the shot. Child and toddler flu shot side effects include:
- Soreness, redness, or discomfort in the injection site. This localized reaction is the most common side effect, says Dr. Ahmed.
- Body aches
- Cough
Can You Get A Flu Shot And Covid
Jennifer Rudell, Cincinnati district leader for CVS Health and a pharmacist, told The Enquirer that people can get a flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time.
CVS pharmacies delivered more than twice the usual number of flu shots in 2020-21, and Walgreens started delivering inoculations for this season in mid-August.
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Where To Get A Flu Shot
You have many options for where to get a flu shot, including:
- Your healthcare provider’s office
- Flu clinics
Many employers and schools often offer flu shots on-site during special vaccination events as well.
If you have significant health issues or an egg allergy, your healthcare provider’s office is the best place to get your flu shot. Your practitioner should know your medical history and will know if there is any reason you should not have a flu vaccine or if one type is better for you than another. They can also monitor for adverse reactions, if necessary.