Flu Shot Q&A
When is the flu season?
Typically the flu season runs from November to April.
Why should I get the flu vaccine?
Every year hundreds of thousands of people get the flu, and on average 25,500 people die each year from the flu. 90% of those deaths occur in people over 65. The vaccine causes antibodies to build in the body and provides protection against infections. While a flu shot cannot guarantee that you will not get the flu, it significantly reduces your chances.
Can I get the flu from the flu vaccine?
No. You cannot get the flu from the vaccine.
Do I need to get vaccinated every year?
Yes. The viruses that cause the flu evolve and change every year. The vaccine your received last year may not protect you from a different strain of the virus this year.
Will I be protected from H1N1 or the Swine Flu if I get vaccinated this year?
Yes.
Should I get vaccinated?
While we always recommend speaking to one of our board certified doctors, as a general rule the following groups of people are considered high-risk of influenza complications and should consider getting vaccinated:
Those with chronic medical conditions are also at an increased risk for flu related complications and they include patients with:
- Asthma
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
- Kidney or Liver disease
- Sickle Cell disease
- HIV/AIDS
- Cerebral Palsy
- Epilepsy
- Cystic Fibrosis
As always, this list is not complete. We highly recommend calling your physician or one of our allergists/immunologists to see if the flu shot would be recommended for you.
Please call us at 1-800-287-2829 if you have any questions or want to make an appointment at any one of our 10 Metro DC locations.