September 14, 2016 | Fall is approaching. The leaves will begin changing and the hoodie weather will begin. It is very important that every year we continue to take care of our body and receive the appropriate vaccinations, specifically for the flu. With flu season just around the corner, we want to inform everyone in the community about the new vaccine information for the 2016-17 flu season.
What most people assume is that the flu shot is not good for you, however the flu vaccine is the first and best way to protect yourself and your family from getting the flu. The shot is made to reduce illnesses, going to the doctor, missing work or school, and prevent you from being hospitalized during the flu season.
SAVING YOU MONEY
Many of us should be aware that getting the flu shot saves us money. An estimated $10.4 billion is spent annually on direct costs for hospitalizations and outpatient visits for adults who get the flu, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And lost earnings account for an additional $16.3 billion each year.
NEW INFORMATION
According to the CDC, these are some things to keep in mind for this year:
- Only injectable flu shots are recommended for use this season.
- Flu vaccines have been updated to better match circulating viruses.
- There will be some new vaccines on the market this season.
- The recommendations for vaccination of people with egg allergies have changed.
WHICH VACCINES ARE RECOMMENDED?
Something that has changed for this season is that flu shots should be the only thing used to prevent getting the flu. DO NOT use nasal spray flu vaccines this year. If you do have allergic reactions to eggs then please read the following:
- People who have experienced only hives after exposure to egg can get any licensed flu vaccine that is otherwise appropriate for their age and health.
- People who have symptoms other than hives after exposure to eggs, such as angioedema, respiratory distress, lightheadedness, or recurrent emesis; or who have needed epinephrine or another emergency medical intervention, also can get any licensed flu vaccine that is otherwise appropriate for their age and health, but the vaccine should be given in a medical setting and be supervised by a health care provider who is able to recognize and manage severe allergic conditions. (Settings include hospitals, clinics, health departments, and physician offices). People with egg allergies no longer have to wait 30 minutes after receiving their vaccine.
WHEN AND WHAT IS OFFERED THIS YEAR?
You should get vaccinated if you’re over 6 months of age every year. There are many options for individuals this year which include:
- Standard dose flu shots. Most are given into the muscle (usually with a needle, but one can be given to some people with a jet injector). One is given into the skin.
- A high-dose shot for older people.
- A shot made with adjuvant for older people.
- A shot made using a vaccine production technology (recombinant vaccine) that does not require the use of flu virus.
We hope everyone takes this information and puts it to use this flu season. Please stay healthy out there and remember to come see us if you’re feeling ill or think that you may have the flu. If you need to schedule an appointment with us for the flu shot please CLICK HERE.
Thank you for reading the blog and from everyone here at Northwest Health, have a wonderful day.