💉 Influenza Vaccine FAQ

With the Flu season upon us, here are some frequently asked questions about the influenza vaccine.⁣

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🤔 Why should people get vaccinated?⁣

Influenza is a potentially serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Every flu season is different, and influenza infection can affect people differently. An annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to help protect against flu. ⁣

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🤷🏻‍♂️ How does the vaccine work?⁣

Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two weeks after vaccination. These antibodies provide protection against infection with the viruses that are used to make the vaccine.⁣

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📅 When should I get the vaccine?⁣

You should get a flu vaccine before flu viruses begin spreading in your community, since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against flu. Make plans to get vaccinated early in fall, before flu season begins. CDC recommends that people get a flu vaccine by the end of October.⁣

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🏥 Where can I get the vaccine?⁣

Flu vaccines are offered in many doctor’s offices, clinics, health departments, pharmacies and college health centers, as well as by many employers, and even in some schools.⁣

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🤨 Why do I need the vaccine every year?⁣

A flu vaccine is needed every season for two reasons. First, a person’s immune protection from vaccination declines over time, so an annual vaccine is needed for a booster. Second, flu viruses are constantly changing, flu vaccines may be updated from one season to the next to protect against the viruses that research suggests may be most common this upcoming year. ⁣

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Protect yourself and your loved ones. Get your flu shots!⁣

Image credit Sherry Yates Young / Shutterstock.com

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