Flu Immunization

This vaccine can prevent serious illness from occurring from the influenza virus.  

It is a serious viral infection from the influenza virus. Infection can result in high fever and significant illness sometimes resulting in hospitalization and death. 

If you are pregnant or over 65 you are at an increased risk for severe illness. 

Additionally, many medical conditions increase your risk of severe illness  

If you are immunocompromised, are a smoker, or have conditions such as diabetes, cancer, or lung disease your risk is increased.

Yes, even otherwise healthy patients can miss up to a week of work if they contract the flu. 

Additionally, getting vaccinated can decrease your chance of spreading influenza to your neighbors, friends, family, and colleagues at work. 

No. The vaccine cannot give you the flu, you may experience some mild symptoms as your immune system responds to the vaccine. 

Yes.  The vaccine cannot give you the flu. It does take 14 days for your body to mount a full response to the flu vaccine.  So you may get sick from community exposure in that timeframe.  

The influenza virus is always changing.  Each year offers a chance to protect you from the new and current circulating strains of the virus.  

Yes.  Vaccines will significantly reduce your chance of serious illness and hospitalization, but you can still get the flu. We usually observe much milder illness in vaccinated persons.   

The most ideal time to get the flu shot is in the fall.  Mid- September through October.   You can however get vaccinated from August through March each year. 

Fortunately it is available everywhere.  You can get vaccinated at your health care provider’s office, at the pharmacy, at work, or through the health department or other community sites. 

Yes, other vaccines such as the pneumonia vaccine or COVID vaccine can be given at the same time- usually one in each arm.  

People with an egg allergy may receive any vaccine (egg-based or non-egg-based) that is otherwise appropriate for their age and health status. According to the CDC, additional safety measures are no longer recommended for flu vaccination of people who are allergic to eggs beyond those recommended for receipt of any vaccine, regardless of the severity of previous reaction to egg. More information can be found on the CDC website.  

If you have a history of severe reaction or allergy to the components of the influenza, vaccine the vaccine should not be given. Your health care provider can further advise you on this.  

Your health care providers are here to assist you with any questions you may have.