Flu season has arrived! Flu starts in early fall and continues throughout the spring. It’s important to make sure you and your family are protected in the right ways from the flu and educated on the facts of the flu shot.
Your top questions about the flu shot, answered by Dr. Fruth:
1. Why should I get a flu shot?
The best way to reduce your risk from getting seasonal flu and the potential complications including death is to get a flu shot.
2. When should I get my flu shot?
You can get a flu shot anytime during the flu season, but it’s best to get it by November 1 so you are protected for the holiday season. You and your family can get a flu shot at any Avance Care location by making a flu shot appointment or by stopping by one of our convenient locations.
3. Where should I get my flu shot?
We know you have many choices when it comes to getting a flu shot. Your Avance family would love to see you for your flu vaccine, but what’s most important to us is that you get vaccinated.
4. Who should get the flu vaccine?
Everyone six months and older should get the flu vaccine.
5. Who shouldn’t get the flu vaccine?
The only persons who should not get the flu vaccine are infants less than 6 months old, people with severe, life-threatening reaction to any ingredient in a flu vaccine and individuals who have had a severe allergic reaction to a dose of the flu shot in the past. Talk with your health care provider to help determine whether vaccination is appropriate for you.
People with Egg Allergy can get a flu shot.
6. Why are there different types of flu shots, and which one should I get?
All flu vaccines protect against four different types of influenza and are called “quadrivalent”. The regular quadrivalent vaccine is appropriate for people 6 months to 64 years old. The high dose quadrivalent vaccine is best for people 65 years and older. The Flublock vaccine is a third option for people 18 years and over and is a little more “potent” than the regular quadrivalent flu shot. Talk to your health care provider about which vaccine is best for you.
7. Can I get the flu from the flu shot?
It is impossible to get the flu from a flu shot.
8. Why do I feel sick after I get a flu shot?
The mild symptoms you may experience after a flu shot tell you your body is making antibodies to fight off the flu.
To find a location near you that is offering flu shots, click here.
To read Dr. Fruth’s answers to your top questions about the flu, visit here.