Because influenza is a serious disease that can lead to sickness, hospitalization, and sometimes even death. Influenza is also highly unpredictable. Every flu season is different and infection affects every individual differently. If you think, “But I’m healthy, and I’ve never had the flu! Why get vaccinated now?” heed our advice and, frankly, think again.
Even healthy people looking forward to a new and exciting life as an active adult at The Villages at Two Rivers can get very sick from the flu and spread it to others; that’s not a great way to say hello to your new neighbors.
Protect yourself. Protect the community.
Get vaccinated against the flu.
How does the flu vaccine work?
The flu vaccine works by inspiring the development of antibodies about two weeks after injection; these antibodies then provide protection against infection.
What kinds of flu vaccines are available?
Scientists and medical professionals conduct research each year to determine which influenza viruses will be most common during the upcoming season. From the data gathered, flu vaccines are formulated and made available to the public.
Traditional, or trivalent flu vaccines are made to prevent infection spread from three different flu viruses (two influenza A viruses, and an influenza B). Additionally, there are quadrivalent flu vaccines available, which protect against four different viruses. From the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), consider the following flu vaccines available to you for the 2015–2016 season:
-Standard-dose trivalent shots that are most often given with a needle. One standard dose trivalent shot also can be given with a jet injector, for persons aged 18 through 64 years.
-A high-dose trivalent shot, approved for people 65 and older.
-A recombinant trivalent shot that is egg-free, approved for people 18 years and older
-A quadrivalent flu shot, approved for most people of different ages
-An intradermal quadrivalent shot, which is injected into the skin instead of the muscle and uses a much smaller needle than the regular flu shot. It is approved for people 18 through 64 years of age.
Who should get vaccinated for the flu?
According to a 2010 recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), “everyone six months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every season.” The Committee voted for this universal flu vaccination standard in an effort to expand protection against the flu to more people, but it should be noted that vaccination is especially important for adults over the age of 65 and those with certain medical conditions including asthma, heart disease, chronic lung disease, and others.
Don’t let the flu happen to you. Talk to your doctor today.
