Should You Get the Flu Shot This Year?
The cold and flu season this year comes in the backdrop of COVID-19, similar to previous years. This makes it all the more essential to take extra precautions to reduce your risk of infection. One of the best preventive measures you can take to avoid getting sick is getting the flu shot.
All B.C. residents over 6 months can receive the flu vaccine for free in the fall and winter seasons. Book your appointment at one of our Wellness Pharmacy locations here.
This post will review flu shot effectiveness, vaccination benefits, and where to get the flu shot. Let’s get started!
What is the Influenza Vaccine?
The flu is a disease caused by the influenza virus. This virus can spread from person to person when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It also spreads through direct contact. The influenza vaccine offers protection against the viruses that cause the flu and is commonly referred to as the flu shot. The vaccine is typically referred to as an inactivated vaccine since inactive or dead influenza viruses are used to prepare the vaccine.
Information About the Flu Vaccine
With most COVID-19 restrictions lifted and activities back to “normal”, the spread of the influenza virus should be expected to follow its typical pattern.
Here are some other things to know about the flu shot:
- The vaccine offers protection only against the viruses that cause influenza. It does not protect against any other viruses or bacteria.
- The vaccine contains dead viruses or inactivated viruses, ensuring that it does not pose a risk.
- When the vaccine enters the body, the immune system produces antibodies against the virus. Once formed, the antibodies remain in the body for some time (until the flu season ends). This offers protection against the virus. In case you are infected with the flu virus during this time, the antibodies will neutralize the virus, preventing any ill effects.
- It is recommended to get a new flu shot every year as the vaccines differ from season to season. Additionally, the flu virus changes in nature each year so past flu shots may not be effective anymore.
- You can receive the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time, however it’s important to know that the flu vaccine alone does not protect you against COVID-19.
- Flu vaccinations will start in October this year. It’s important to know that it takes around two weeks for the antibodies to form, so it is best to get your flu shot as soon as possible.
Who Should Get the Vaccine?
It is recommended that everyone above the age of six months should get the vaccine every year. Those who are at high risk of developing serious complications of the flu are highly recommended to receive a flu vaccine.
If you or someone you’re caring for fall into one of the following high-risk groups, be sure to book your flu shot right away to ensure you are protected this cold and flu season:
- Children from the age of 6 months to 5 years
- Pregnant women
- Those who are more than 65 years of age
- People living in assisted living or similar facilities
- People with medical conditions like heart or lung diseases, kidney disease, liver disease, cancer, etc.
- Children and teenagers who take Aspirin or ASA for long periods of time due to a medical condition
- People who have limited access to health care
- People who live or work in highly crowded conditions
This fall and winter, the flu vaccine is free for all B.C. residents 6 months or older in British Columbia. You can book your appointment at one of our Wellness Pharmacy locations here.
Please note that pharmacies can only vaccinate children ages 4 and older.
The Benefits of Vaccination
The flu shot benefits include:
- Preventing infection from the Influenza virus and the associated risks that include hospitalization
- Helping manage the symptoms of the flu if you do get infected
- Preventing the worsening of existing medical conditions for those who have chronic health problems
- Providing immunity to babies for many months after birth when their mother gets vaccinated
- Reducing hospitalization due to the flu, thus allowing hospitals to focus on treating COVID-19 cases and other serious health conditions
- Preventing infection from the flu virus and COVID-19 at the same time, which can lead to serious health complications. Please note that the flu vaccine only provides protection against the flu virus and not COVID-19
- Protecting yourself and others with whom you interact. Since you are unlikely to get infected, you will not be spreading the flu to others
- Preventing deaths caused by complications of the flu
Administering the Vaccine
The vaccine is given as a single dose for most people. Children below the age of nine who have not received the flu shot before are given two doses of the vaccine, 4 weeks apart. The second dose helps provide stronger protection against the flu.
Older adults who are in the high-risk category have the option of getting the high dose vaccine this year. It has four times the antigen that increases immune response, thus providing a higher level of protection. This is useful for those above the age of 65 and those staying in assisted living facilities. Please note that the high dose vaccine has a limited quantity therefore it is best to call ahead to check availability.
More Tips to Prevent the Flu
Besides getting the flu shot, here are some more helpful tips that can reduce your risk of getting the flu:
- Wash your hands often and use hand sanitizer
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
- Maintain a healthy diet and sleep schedule
You can check out this blog post to view more information about these pharmacist-approved flu prevention tips.
Where to Get Your Flu Shot
Getting the vaccine early offers higher protection against the flu. If you have not yet received the vaccine, book an appointment at any Wellness Pharmacy location to get your flu shot today.
Finally, please contact us here if you have any further questions about the flu shot.