Each year, flu season brings a wave of sickness that can quickly sweep across communities, offices, and schools. Although many believe the flu is merely a minor nuisance, it can cause severe health-related problems—particularly for seniors, young children, and those with chronic conditions.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu vaccination saved an estimated 7.5 million cases of influenza illness and 6,300 deaths during the 2019-2020 flu season. These statistics reveal just how effective a flu shot can be in slowing down the transmission and severity of the virus.
As the cold months set in, Vantage Medical Associates invites everyone to stay protected and prioritize their flu shot this season.
What You Will Learn
- Why getting the flu shot every year matters
- Why the flu shot is so crucial every year
- How flu shots keep your body safe
- Myths about flu shots that are commonly held and what they really say
- Who needs to be vaccinated and when?
- Accurate facts from government health organizations
- Answers to common questions about flu shots
Why Getting the Flu Shot Every Year Matters
The influenza virus changes constantly. Each year, scientists develop vaccines that target the most likely strains expected to circulate. This is why getting vaccinated annually is essential—last year’s shot won’t necessarily protect you from this year’s flu.
The CDC indicates that flu vaccination cuts the risk of flu-related hospitalization by 40% to 70% in adults. This implies that even if you actually get the flu after being vaccinated, your disease will be less severe and your recovery quicker.
Missing the flu shot makes you more susceptible, particularly during peak flu season, which typically occurs between October and March. Even if you are healthy overall, you may still get the flu and infect others who are more vulnerable, such as infants, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
At Vantage Medical Associates, our health care professionals make it convenient for patients to receive their yearly flu shot, protecting themselves and their loved ones.
How the Flu Vaccine Works
The flu shot immunizes your body against the flu virus so that your immune system can identify and combat it before it infects you and makes you severely ill. Within two weeks of getting the injection, your body creates antibodies. When exposed to the virus, these antibodies stay in your body and provide immunity.
There are several types of flu vaccines available, including:
- Routine shots for adults and children
- High-dose vaccines for older adults (65 and above)
- Nasal spray flu vaccines for those who are eligible
Your doctor at Vantage Medical Associates can assist you in deciding which vaccine type is most appropriate for you, depending on your age, health status, and risk factors.
Who Should Receive the Flu Vaccine?
The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older should get an annual flu vaccine, with a few exceptions.
Some people are at increased risk of getting serious complications:
- Adults aged 65 and older
- Pregnant women
- Young children under 5 years old
- People with chronic health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease)
- Healthcare workers and caregivers
By getting vaccinated, you not only protect yourself but also minimize transmission to your community—ensuring public health at work.
When to Get the Flu Shot
The ideal time to be vaccinated is before the flu season starts, generally in September or October. But if you can’t, get it as soon as flu season starts.
It takes your body two weeks to be entirely immune, and therefore, earlier vaccination provides greater protection when the flu viruses begin to circulate extensively.
FAQs About the Flu Shot
Can I get the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time?
Yes. The CDC verifies it’s safe to get the two vaccines on the same visit. Just keep them in different arms.
What are the side effects of the flu shot?
Most side effects are mild — redness at the injection site, low-grade fever, or tiredness for a day or two. Severe reactions are extremely uncommon.
Do children need a flu shot every year?
Children are at greater risk of flu complications. Children aged 6 months and older should receive a flu shot every year.
Protect Yourself and Your Community
The flu seems humdrum, but its impact is decidedly not trivial. Thousands of individuals are hospitalized or killed by the flu every year—outcomes that could be largely avoided with a quick flu shot.
At Vantage Medical Associates, we firmly believe that prevention is the key to good health. This flu season, take the small but mighty action of getting your flu shot. It’s not just for you—it’s for everyone around you.
Make an appointment today with Vantage Medical Associates for your flu shot and be healthy all season!