Flu Season is here – should I get a flu shot?
While the global COVID-19 pandemic has been a stark reality since 2020, the influenza virus has not been in the news nearly as much. With everyone in Tallahassee wearing masks, it is a challenge to remember the effects of the influenza virus when the coronavirus is all over the news. But since flu season is here, is the flu shot still worth getting if much of the world is wearing masks?
In short, yes.
Why get the flu vaccine?
On average, 36,000 people die each year from the flu and over 200,000 individuals are hospitalized from flu complications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that everyone 6 months of age and older receive the flu vaccine.
People who can get the flu shot:
Flu shots are appropriate for most people.
- Different flu shots are approved for people of different ages. Everyone should get a vaccine that is appropriate for their age.
- There are standard-dose inactivated influenza vaccines that are approved for people as young as 6 months of age. Some vaccines are only approved for adults. For example, the recombinant influenza vaccine is approved for people aged 18 years and older, and the adjuvanted and high-dose inactivated vaccines are approved for people 65 years and older.
- Pregnant people and people with certain chronic health conditions can get a flu shot.
- People with egg allergy can get a flu shot
People who SHOULD NOT get a flu shot include:
- Children younger than 6 months of age are too young to get a flu shot.
- People with severe, life-threatening allergies to any ingredient in a flu vaccine (other than egg proteins) should not get that vaccine. This might include gelatin, antibiotics, or other ingredients. See Special Considerations Regarding Egg Allergy for more information about egg allergies and flu vaccine.
- People who have had a severe allergic reaction to a dose of influenza vaccine should not get that flu vaccine again and might not be able to receive other influenza vaccines. If you have had a severe allergic reaction to an influenza vaccine in the past, it is important to talk with your health care provider to help determine whether vaccination is appropriate for you.
Need more information about the getting flu shots for your business team? Our team at Jet Medical Center is ready to assist you and your business protect your employees against the flu this flu season. All you have to do is call or click contact us to put our expertise to work for you.
Who is Jet Medical Center®?
Jet Medical Center® is a leading provider of occupational medicine services in the Tallahassee area. We develop, with our client partners, a customized health care plan to fit your companies needs today and into the future.
Our experienced staff of clinicians provide excellent medical care and understand the Worker’s Compensation system and its impact on your company’s financial health. Your employees will have less downtime with less complications reducing overall medical costs.