When you see “Get Your Flu Vaccine Here” signs and banners outside pharmacies and in doctor’s offices, you might think, “it’s almost spring; isn’t it too late for that?”
The answer is no.
“Flu season typically peaks in January or February and can last as late as April or May,” says Dr. Anne Schuchat, assistant surgeon general of the U.S. Public Health Service and director of CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. “We are encouraging people who have not yet been vaccinated to get vaccinated now.”
For millions of people each year, the flu can bring a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, fatigue and miserable days spent in bed instead of at work or school. However, you may not realize that more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications each year.
Deadly consequences
The flu can also be deadly. CDC estimates that between 1976 and 2007, annual flu-associated deaths in the United States have ranged from a low of about 3,000 people to a high of about 49,000 people.
The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months and older. It’s available in two forms: a shot and a nasal spray. While the flu shot can be given to just about everyone, the nasal spray is approved for use only in healthy people ages two to 49 years and who aren’t pregnant.
Anyone can get the flu, but some people are at greater risk for serious flu-related complications, like pneumonia, that can lead to hospitalization and even death. For those at greater risk for complications, getting the flu vaccine is especially important. People at greater risk include:
- Children younger than 5 years old, but especially children younger than 2 years old
- Pregnant women
- People with certain medical conditions like asthma, diabetes (type 1 and 2), or heart and lung disease
- People 65 years and older
Shots for kids
It’s also important to get the vaccine if you care for anyone in one or more of these high-risk groups, or for babies younger than six months because they are too young to get the vaccine.
Many children need two doses of flu vaccine to be fully protected. If a child has not received his first dose, get him vaccinated now. For those who have been vaccinated with one dose, parents should check with the child’s doctor to see if a second dose is needed.
“Getting the flu vaccine is simple, and it’s the most important thing you can do to protect yourself and your family from the flu,” says Dr. Schuchat.
Getting your shot
Flu vaccines are offered in many locations, including doctors' offices, clinics, health departments, pharmacies and college health centers. They are also offered by many employers, and are even available in some schools. So next time you see a sign that says, “Get Your Flu Vaccine Here,” stop in. Or, make an appointment with your doctor or clinic today.
There's a Flu Vaccine Finder available online to help you find the nearest location where you and your family can get vaccinated.
For more information about influenza or the flu vaccine, talk to your doctor or nurse, visit Flu.gov or call CDC at 1-800-CDC-INFO.
