Due to increase enrollment, the Flu shots will be administered from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm on 10/5/21.
Register today by calling Mariana at ext.# 7410.
What is the flu vaccine?
Flu viruses continuously change into new strains. If you’ve previously been exposed to the flu because you’ve had the disease or been vaccinated, your body has made antibodies to fight that particular virus. However, these antibodies do not necessarily protect you from new subtypes that may be different immunologically. Conversely, if a future virus strain is similar to past strains, your existing antibodies may help to prevent infection or to decrease its severity.
Before the flu season starts, scientists predict which strains are likely to be the most common during the upcoming season. They design the vaccine to match these predictions. While the flu vaccine may not always be 100% effective, it’s one of the best defenses against the influenza virus.
What is the flu?
The flu (influenza) is an infectious respiratory disease. Generally, the flu resolves on its own. However, it can cause severe illness for people who are at higher risk of complications. The flu can even be life threatening. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that people 6 months or older get an annual flu shot by the end of flu season.
What high-risk people should get flu shots?
· Adults 65 years and older
· Children under 5 years old, particularly infants under 2 years
· Patients with chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, heart, kidney and liver disease
· People with compromised immune systems
· Residents of nursing homes and care facilities
· Women who are pregnant, or women who are up to 2 weeks postpartum
What are the benefits of the flu vaccine?
Getting vaccinated helps to protect you and the people around you. In particular, infants, young children, older adults and people with certain chronic health conditions are at higher risk of severe flu complications. The benefits of flu shots include:
· Less severe illness in people who get immunized but still get sick
· Prevents serious medical events for people with chronic conditions, including chronic lung disease, diabetes and heart disease
· Protects pregnant women during and after pregnancy. Immunization reduces a pregnant woman’s risk of being hospitalized with flu. Vaccination can protect a baby from the flu for several months after birth by passing antibodies to the developing baby during pregnancy. Vaccination also reduces the risk of flu-related acute respiratory illnesses in pregnant women.
· Reduced risk of flu-related hospitalization
· Significantly lowered risk of dying from influenza complications. Flu vaccines can be lifesaving for children.
How can the spread of the flu be reduced?
Getting immunized with the influenza vaccine is your best defense against the seasonal flu. You can also help protect yourself and others when you:
· Contain your coughs and sneezes: Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Direct the cough or sneeze into a tissue or the bend of your elbow to avoid contaminating your hands.
· Wash your hands: Frequent hand washing helps prevent infections. When soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
· Wear a mask and avoid crowds: Flu spreads wherever people gather in schools, office buildings, public transportation and community facilities. Avoid crowds during the peak flu season to minimize the risks of infection.
Related Services:
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Resources
1. Flu shot: Your best bet for avoiding influenza https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/in-depth/flu-shots/art-20048000 (Accessed 26 August 2019)
2. Prevent Seasonal Flu https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/index.html (Accessed 27 August 2019)
3. Flu Shot Facts & Side Effects Flu Symptoms & Complications https://www.livescience.com/40279-flu-shot-information.html (Accessed 26 August 2019)
