Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone who is 6 months and older get a flu vaccination yearly. Flu vaccinations can reduce the number of flu cases, medical visits, and days off from work and school and prevent flu-related hospitalizations.
It protects people against the main flu viruses expected to circulate in a year. Each year, the composition of vaccines is examined and modified as necessary in consideration of which flu viruses are spreading and how well the previous year’s vaccine protects against them.
This article covers why you should get a flu vaccination every year.
It protects against the flu:
The CDC recommends that everyone who is 6 months of age and older gets vaccinated against influenza every season because it can prevent serious illness in children, adolescents, pregnant women, older adults or anyone with an underlying medical condition.
It makes your immune system stronger:
In addition to preventing illness from coming down with the flu, getting vaccinated can also help build up your immunity to other diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis and even chronic lung disease later in life. This is because getting vaccinated helps stimulate your body’s immune system to produce antibodies more quickly.
Flu vaccines are safe:
The flu vaccine is safe, and no serious problems have been linked to getting the flu shot. Side effects of the vaccine are usually mild and may include soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site. Itching, headache, fatigue and muscle aches also may occur. Getting the flu shot is easy to protect yourself and those around you from getting sick. Remember that you need a new vaccine each year.
Most insurance plans cover it:
Health plans must cover all recommended preventive services without charging you anything out-of-pocket. This includes flu vaccines. If you have questions about your coverage or deductibles, talk to your insurance company or healthcare provider before getting vaccinated.
Most people tolerate the vaccine just fine:
Some people may have minimal side effects from receiving a flu vaccination, such as headache, muscle aches, low-grade fever or soreness at the injection site. These reactions usually happen within 24 hours after vaccination, but they can occur anytime between 2 and 48 hours after receiving the vaccine.
Conclusion:
So maybe getting the flu vaccinations is no big deal. But when you look at everything the vaccination has to offer, including reducing your chance of getting the flu and its potentially deadly complications, getting vaccinated looks a lot like the smart thing to do.