Get Ready for Flu Season: Vaccination Clinics Now Open
As the end of summer approaches, pharmacies and doctors’ offices are gearing up for the upcoming flu season by advertising vaccination clinics for the flu shot. Healthcare experts recommend getting vaccinated as soon as the flu shot becomes available in your area, usually in September or October.
Even if you miss the initial availability, it’s not too late to get vaccinated. Healthcare experts emphasize that getting vaccinated anytime during the flu season, which typically peaks between December and February, can still provide protection.
However, it is important to note that vaccination is not recommended during the months of July and August. The best time to get the flu shot is before October 31st to ensure maximum protection throughout the season.
Healthcare professionals strongly advise that everyone over six months old should get a flu vaccine, with only a few exceptions for those who have had severe allergic reactions to it. Different vaccines are available for different age groups, so it’s best to consult a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate vaccine for you or your family members.
Children aged six months to eight years who are receiving the flu vaccine for the first time will need two doses. This ensures that they develop full immunity against the flu virus.
Excitingly, the flu shot for the upcoming 2023-2024 season is already commercially available. The strain compositions for this year’s flu shot have been updated to best tackle the flu viruses circulating this year. This makes the vaccine even more effective in preventing the flu.
The good news is that patients with egg allergies can receive any egg-based or non-egg-based flu vaccine without special monitoring, as declared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Additionally, there will be egg-free formulations and specific dosing recommendations for seniors and immunocompromised individuals this year.
It is crucial to get the flu shot every year, as the virus strains responsible for the flu continually change, and the protection provided by the vaccine decreases over time.
This year, there are two types of flu vaccinations available: injectable vaccines for children and adults and a nasal spray vaccine for people aged two to 49. However, it is important to note that the nasal spray vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women, children with asthma or wheezing, people with weakened immune systems, or those with certain medical conditions.
As the flu season approaches, it is essential to prioritize getting vaccinated to protect yourself and those around you. Visit your local pharmacy or doctor’s office to inquire about flu vaccination clinics and ensure a healthy flu-free season ahead.
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