Flu shot near me
in Washington DC

The influenza virus vaccination, usually known as the flu shot, can help you avoid getting sick with the flu. Learning more about the flu shot's benefits and how it works will help you make the best health decisions for you and your family.

Flu shot: Your best bet for avoiding influenza

According to the CDC, the flu is a potentially deadly illness that can result in hospitalization and death. It goes on to say that millions of individuals in the United States acquire the flu each year, and tens of thousands of people die as a result of flu-related illnesses. Ear infections, bacterial pneumonia, and chronic health issues including diabetes and heart failure are all complications of the flu.

The flu vaccine may be your best hope for avoiding influenza, since it has been found to minimize the risk of flu-related illness, hospitalizations, and fatalities in children, according to the CDC. The CDC says that it may even lower the severity of disease in those who get breakthrough infections after being vaccinated.

When is the flu vaccine available?

Before the flu begins to spread in communities, the CDC recommends taking the seasonal flu vaccine in September or October. The CDC recommends receiving a flu vaccine even if you don't get it before the end of October, because the flu season typically peaks in February and lasts well into May.

According to the CDC, the seasonal flu vaccine normally becomes available in July or August, which is when youngsters should get the vaccine. Adults are urged not to get vaccinated this early since the flu vaccine's effectiveness diminishes with time.

Why do I need to get vaccinated every year?

Everyone six months and older should get a flu shot every year, according to the CDC. Because flu viruses are continually evolving, the flu vaccination must be updated every year to ensure protection against the most recent strain. Furthermore, the flu vaccine's immunity diminishes over time, so a yearly dose can offer you with the best protection, according to the CDC.

Who should get the flu vaccine?

Every season, the CDC advises that everyone six months of age and older get the flu vaccine. It does, however, state that some persons may require different immunizations than others. According to CDC recommendations, pregnant women should not take the nasal spray flu vaccine due to an increased risk of complications.

What are my flu vaccine delivery options?

The flu vaccine is available in two forms: injection and nasal spray. Most flu shots are given with a needle in the arm muscle, according to the CDC, while a jet injector may be used in persons between the ages of 18 and 64. According to the CDC, the nasal spray vaccination is only allowed for persons aged two to 49, with the exception of pregnant women and people with impaired immune systems.

Can the vaccine give me the flu or other respiratory diseases?

According to the CDC, the flu vaccine will not give you the flu virus. It does, however, warn that it may produce many of the same side effects and symptoms as the flu and other respiratory illnesses, such as fever, cough, headaches, muscle pains, and a runny nose.

What kind of protection does the flu vaccine offer?

According to the CDC, the flu vaccine can reduce your chance of getting the flu by 40 percent to 60 percent. It goes on to say that there are two primary elements that influence whether or not the flu vaccine will protect you from getting sick with the flu. These considerations include the person's characteristics, such as age and health, as well as how well the current season's vaccines "match" the flu viruses circulating in the population.

Can I lower my risk of the flu without getting a flu shot?

According to the CDC, there are numerous effective ways to minimize your risk of getting the flu without having a flu vaccination. Some of the most effective ways to maintain a strong immune system and avoid the flu include exercising regularly, eating healthy meals, getting lots of quality sleep, and controlling stress. Other precautions include washing your hands frequently, covering your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, and avoiding close contact with sick people, according to the CDC.