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Posts Tagged as influenza vaccines
Posted September 27, 2010 | Filed in Flu Shots, Flu Tips, Pediatric, Risk/Priority Groups
Most people would agree- the flu is not fun. Period. High fevers, chills, headaches, extreme exhaustion, coughing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches….yes… these symptoms of the flu do not add up to a good time. They can be even more intense and dangerous to you if you are expecting this flu season.
Why is the flu more dangerous for pregnant women?
While catching the flu during pregnancy rarely causes birth defects, pregnancy puts extra stress on your heart and lungs and can also affect your immune system. These factors increase the risk not only of getting the flu but of developing serious complications from the flu, such as pneumonia and respiratory distress[i]. As a result, flu complications may lead to miscarriage, premature labor or other pregnancy complications[ii].
What’s the best way to prevent the flu during pregnancy?
To prevent the flu, get vaccinated. A flu vaccine is the number one way to prevent the flu. Flu season can begin as early as October and last as late as May. October or November is the best time to get vaccinated, but if for some reason you are not able to receive your vaccine during that time period, getting vaccinated in December is still better than not getting vaccinated at all.
Is the flu shot safe during pregnancy or if I’ve recently given birth?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Medical Association (AMA), American Nurses Association (ANA), March of Dimes, and several other professional organizations are recommending flu shots for pregnant and postpartum patients during flu season — typically November through January or even later. The only exception is pregnant women who are allergic to eggs, since egg products are used to make the vaccine. When you get your flu shot, be sure to request the injectable flu shot and not the nasal spray vaccine. The flu shot is made from an inactive virus, so it’s safe for both mother and baby. The nasal spray vaccine is made from a live attenuated virus, and is currently contraindicated for pregnant women. While the flu shot does not contain the live virus and cannot give you the flu, some women may experience fatigue and muscle aches due to their immune system responding to the vaccine. In addition, the flu shot is also safe while breastfeeding. It cannot cause you or your nursing baby to get sick.
Why should I get a flu shot?
The main reason to get your shot, as mentioned earlier, is that you don’t want to get the flu while you are pregnant as there would be a higher risk of flu complications, both for yourself and your baby. Also, by getting your flu shot, you will decrease the chances your new baby will get sick once he or she is born. This is because your baby will experience the benefits of the antibodies from the vaccine that your body creates and transfers, providing him or her with added protection from getting the flu. This is important because children under six months of age can not get a flu shot.
After all, if you don’t get your flu shot, there is a higher possibility that you can get sick with the flu and then pass the infection on to your new baby. For this same reason, everyone in your household, and anyone who may care for a newborn, should also be vaccinated. Remember that anyone over 6 months of age can get a flu shot each year. By getting vaccinated, your entire family will be able to help protect your unborn baby because he or she will be too young to receive the vaccine at birth. This works because of the concept of herd immunity. Herd immunity basically means that if most of the people you are surrounded by are immune to an infection and unable to get sick, then there are fewer people around who can infect you, making it less likely for disease to spread, even if you aren’t immune to the infection yourself[iii].
Are there any other steps I can take to avoid getting the flu?
Yes. In addition to getting the flu shot, there are several additional steps you can take to protect yourself from the flu this season. Learn how you can help stop the spread of germs.
What do I do if I think I have the flu?
If you are pregnant and experiencing flu-like symptoms, pay attention to your body. Not all over the counter cold and flu medications are safe to take during pregnancy, so before taking anything, it is best to call your health care provider right away.
How do I find a location to get my flu shot?
Visit info.findaflushot.com, enter a zip code, and receive information about clinics scheduled in your area.
[i] http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/pregnant.htm
[ii] http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/pregnant.htm
[iii] http://www.hhs.gov/nvpo/glossary1.htm
Posted September 23, 2010 | Filed in Flu Shots, Flu Tips, Risk/Priority Groups
After witnessing a pandemic last year as H1N1 spread far and wide, as this flu season officially kicks off it is critical to do your part by staying healthy and keeping those around you healthy too. Everyone over the age of six months is encouraged to get a flu shot and to get it early. (See who should/shouldn’t be vaccinated here) We all know that it is particularly important for pregnant women, individuals with chronic diseases such as asthma or diabetes, and people over the age of 65 to get their flu shots as they are considered higher risk for getting the flu, however, nobody is immune. Whether you are a doctor or “Dr.” Mom, you should get vaccinated this year to avoid the flu.
An interesting study out this week shows that avoiding the flu may not be the only benefit of the vaccine. The study, which was based in Britain, says that getting a flu shot can also have positive effects in reducing the risk of heart attacks and diabetes.
No one wants to be sick and stuck inside this fall. Getting your flu shot can help you avoid getting the flu and will allow you to enjoy time spent with family and friends. And if getting the shot also happens to reduce your risk for other conditions at the same time, everyone wins.
Get your flu shot today and remind everyone in your life of this same important message by sending our e-card.
Posted September 21, 2010 | Filed in CDC Alerts, Flu Shots, Flu Tips, Risk/Priority Groups
Receiving a flu vaccination is recommended for everyone six months and older, particularly for seniors (65 and over), residents of nursing homes, and other high-risk groups. As we age, our ability to fight off infection, including influenza and the common cold becomes more difficult. The flu facts for this age group are alarming and should be taken very seriously. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 9 out of 10 flu-related deaths and 60 percent of flu-related hospitalizations occur within the senior population.1
So how do those who are 65 plus prevent the flu and its potentially life-threatening complications? The first step that the CDC recommends is to get a flu shot. The 2010-2011 flu vaccine contains protection against three flu strains, including the H1N1 virus.
In addition to getting a flu shot, other steps that seniors can take to prevent the flu, as well as the common cold are to practice healthy behaviors, such as:
- Frequent hand washing
- Use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when on-the-go
- Staying away from others when they are sick
- Covering coughs and sneezes
- Discarding used tissues
- Avoiding touching of the eyes, nose, and mouth
- Eating balanced meals and drinking plenty of fluids
- Getting enough sleep (7-8 hours each night)
Finally, seek medical attention if you begin to notice flu-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, headache, sore throat, cough, runny/stuffy nose, chills, and fatigue. This is the best way to avoid further complications, such as pneumonia.
It is important to keep in mind that by getting a flu shot annually, seniors not only help to protect themselves from the flu, but also their spouses, children, and grandchildren. Stay healthy this season!
Find a flu shot location near you.
E-Mail a Virtual Card to your friends and family so that they remember to get their flu shots too.
Posted September 21, 2010 | Filed in CDC Alerts, Flu Shots, Flu Tips, Pediatric, Risk/Priority Groups
This flu season, many medical experts warn of flu “complacency”; health authorities are urging all to stay vigilant in receiving their flu shots.
In the wake of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, many perceive this flu season as less threatening than last year’s, however, this is simply not the case. This year, more than ever, it is important to get your flu shot for many reasons. We once again have returned to the convenience of a one-dose flu vaccine for everyone over the age of nine*, which will protect against a return of the H1N1 flu strain as well as two other flu types.
One population in particular that is considered high risk and is encouraged to get their flu shot is pregnant women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Flu is more likely to cause severe illness in pregnant women than in women who are not pregnant. Changes in the immune system, heart, and lungs during pregnancy make pregnant women more prone to severe illness from flu as well as hospitalizations and even death. Pregnant woman with flu also have a greater chance for serious problems for their unborn baby, including premature labor and delivery.”
The CDC, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Medical Association, and eight other medical groups all have expressed the importance of vaccination to pregnant women[i]. While many women are reluctant to take medications during their pregnancies, there are some important things to keep in mind if you are expecting this flu season[ii]:
- The flu shot is safe during all trimesters of pregnancy.
- Pregnant women should avoid the nasal spray vaccine.
- New moms that are breastfeeding can choose either the shot or nasal spray forms of the vaccine.
- The flu shot given during pregnancy has been shown to protect both the mother and her baby (up to 6 months old) from flu.
- Early treatment is important for pregnant women- If you get sick with flu-like symptoms call your doctor right away.
If you are expecting, getting your flu shot will protect your health as well as the health of your unborn baby and will even protect the baby after birth too.
Stay healthy this flu season and remind your loved ones to get vaccinated.
*Download a chart to learn dosage recommendations for children age 6 months through 8 years
[i] http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100915/ap_on_he_me/us_med_flu_pregnant_women
[ii] http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/pregnant.htm
Posted September 2, 2010 | Filed in Flu Shots, Risk/Priority Groups
If you haven’t noticed already, the messages and conversations surrounding the flu season and flu shots right now are a little bit different than they were this time last year. While last year there were global concerns about vaccine supply, the H1N1 pandemic, and who was in what priority group to receive the vaccine; this year, we are facing a slightly different scenario.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 160 million doses of seasonal flu vaccine are being produced, which is about 40 percent more than last year. Also different this year is that for the first time, the CDC is recommending universal influenza vaccination. Put simply, everyone over the age of 6 months is advised to get a flu shot, though some children between 6 months and 8 years of age may require two shots. Lastly, while we know that H1N1 is no longer a pandemic, the virus is still around and could prove to be a problem for those who have not been vaccinated this flu season.
One message that remains the same throughout the years is that the single best way to prevent influenza is to get the flu vaccine annually.
That being said, where can you get your flu shot this year?
Findaflushot.com offers a clinic locator feature that allows you to search the thousands of flu shot clinics being offered through Maxim Health Systems and their partners this flu season. Locations at which flu shots can be obtained include retail chains, such as Costco or BJ’s, local public health departments, schools, your place of employment, churches/religious organizations, and more! You can also search for clinics in your area on your mobile phone by going to m.findaflushot.com and entering your zip code.
To learn more about where to find flu shots in your area, visit info.findaflushot.com.
To receive updates and tips through e-mail on the latest flu news this flu season, sign up here.
Posted August 24, 2010 | Filed in Flu Shots, Flu Tips, H1N1 (Swine Flu), Risk/Priority Groups
Last flu season, the H1N1 virus, more commonly known as Swine flu, became the first global influenza pandemic in more than 40 years. While the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the pandemic over, H1N1 remains a threat this flu season and the CDC says that “it is likely that 2009 H1N1 viruses will continue to spread along with seasonal viruses in the U.S. during the 2010-2011 flu season.” (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/1011season.htm)
Last year the H1N1 virus “resulted in substantial illness, hospitalizations and deaths,” according to the CDC. While the virus is not expected to be as widespread as last season, it remains one of the strains likely to infect individuals this season. Like other years, the best way to protect yourself from flu is through a flu shot. And while last year the H1N1 vaccine was a separate vaccination from the annual seasonal flu vaccine, this year, protection against last year’s H1N1 virus is included in the seasonal flu vaccine.
The CDC has also expanded its recommendations for who should get vaccinated. The CDC now recommends that everyone six months and older get a 2010-2011 flu vaccine to protect themselves against influenza. While people age 50 and older remain a high risk group for seasonal influenza, the H1N1 virus disproportionately affected younger patients in the 2009-2010 influenza season. In fact, the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report from July 30 states that “279 laboratory-confirmed, influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported, nearly four times the average reported in the previous five influenza seasons.”
Learn more about seasonal flu and H1N1
Use findaflushot.com’s resource center to learn more about the differences between seasonal flu and H1N1 and find out more information about flu and flu vaccines by reading through these frequently asked questions. Please consult the CDC Web site for additional information on who should be vaccinated and be sure to speak to your health care provider before any vaccinations.
Schedule a flu shot reminder
Need a reminder to get a flu shot? Sign up for a flu shot reminder and receive an e-mail in your inbox reminding you to get vaccinated. Also, check back on findaflushot.com on September 1 to search for flu vaccine clinics in your area for the 2010-2011 season.