Flu season is upon us, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages everyone six months of age and older to get a flu vaccine. Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, visits to the doctor, and missed work and school, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations.

Bottom line: the more people who get vaccinated, the more people will be protected from the flu virus.

According to the CDC, here are some things to consider for the 2018-19 flu season:

The nasal spray flu vaccine a recommended option and is approved for use in non-pregnant individuals between the ages of 2 and 49
Flu vaccines have been updated to better match circulating viruses
No intradermal flu vaccine will be available

Providers may choose to administer any licensed, age-appropriate flu vaccine, including:

Standard dose flu shots – given into the muscle, usually with a needle.
High-dose shots for older people.
Shots made with adjuvant for older people.
Shots made with virus grown in cell culture.
Shots made using a vaccine production technology (recombinant vaccine) that does not require the use of flu virus.
Live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV): the nasal spray vaccine.

After vaccination it takes about two weeks for the body’s immune response to fully respond to the flu shot, so the CDC recommends people get vaccinated before flu activity actually begins. That means it’s best to get get vaccinated between early fall and the end of October. Keep in mind, however, getting vaccinated in November, December, or January can still be beneficial. Vaccination should continue to be offered throughout flu season, into January or later if needed.

In the United States, influenza activity is most common during the fall and winter months. Flu activity generally peaks between December and February but it can last as late as May. CDC also recommends that people get a flu shot every year – even if they got vaccinated the season before and even if the viruses in the vaccine have not changed for the current season.

Flu shots are offered by many doctor’s offices, clinics, health departments, pharmacies, urgent care clinics, and college health centers. Many employers and schools now offer flu vaccines as well so it’s easier than ever to get vaccinated.

Remember, it’s possible to get the flu even if you have been vaccinated so continue to practice good health habits like washing your hands often and covering your mouth when you cough and covering your nose when you sneeze.

Manufactures of the flu vaccine project that between 163 million and 168 million doses of injectable vaccine will be given in the U.S. during the 2018-2019 flu season. Make sure you’re included!

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