What About Flu Shots?

The flu vaccine is a good idea for people susceptible to getting the flu.

The viruses that cause the flu change yearly and the flu vaccine is updated each year to reflect this.

How? Each year, at least one of the vaccine viruses is replaced with a newer one. Protection from a flu shot develops about two weeks after you get it and can last up to one year.

The best time to get a flu shot is each year in early October to mid-November.

People most strongly encouraged to get the flu vaccine are:

• People of the age of 65 and older.
• Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities.
• Pregnant women.
• People infected with HIV.

People who should not get the flu vaccine include:

• People who are allergic to eggs. The viral material used in flu vaccines in grown in eggs.
• People who have an acute illness and fever should not be vaccinated until they recover.