Who needs a flu shot?
Everyone 6 months and older should
get an annual flu vaccine. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for your
body to develop full protection against the flu. Getting the flu vaccine is
especially important for children over 6 months, children with special needs, pregnant women and other high-risk groups.
I got a flu shot last year, why do I
need another one?
Flu viruses change every year, so
just because you got a flu shot last year, doesn’t mean that you are protected
this year. The flu shot is designed to protect against the flu viruses that are
predicted to be the most common during the flu season. Also, immunity from
vaccination decreases after a year. This is why everyone needs a flu vaccine
every season.
Are flu shots safe for pregnant
women?
YES! All women who are pregnant
should get a flu shot. It is safe to get the flu shot during pregnancy and it will protect you
and your baby from serious health problems during and after pregnancy. However,
remember that if you’re pregnant, you should not get the flu mist. It’s not
safe to use during pregnancy.
Why is the flu so harmful during
pregnancy?
The flu can be dangerous during
pregnancy because:
- Pregnancy affects your immune system. During pregnancy
your immune system doesn’t respond as effectively to viruses and
illnesses. This means you are more likely to catch the flu.
- You are more likely to have serious complications.
Health complications from the flu, such as pneumonia and bronchitis, can
be very serious and even deadly.
- Pregnant women who get the flu are more likely to have preterm labor and premature birth
(before 37 weeks).
Where can I get a flu shot?
You can get the vaccine from your
health care provider. Many pharmacies and work places also offer it each fall.
You can use the HealthMap Vaccine Finder to find where the flu
vaccine is available in your area.
No comments:
Post a Comment