Got your flu shot?
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the flu kills about 24,000 people each year in the U. S. Because of last year’s particularly virulent strain, that included 145 children. The good news – This year’s flu vaccine got a makeover that should make it more effective after last winter’s mutated strain that caused most of last year’s illnesses surprised the experts. And the latest indications are that this year’s vaccine is a better match for the active strains making the rounds out there this year.
Who should get vaccinated?
Everyone 6 months of age and older says the CDC. But it is particularly dangerous for those over 65, young children, pregnant women and those with chronic asthma or heart disease. And don’t think it’s an older person issue. The CDC reminds us that healthy young people can get seriously ill, as well as spread the disease, too.
So are these groups getting the vaccinations they need?
Here’s who got vaccinated last year according to CDC Statistics:
75% of children ages 6 mos. to 24 mos.
68% of children ages 2 — 4 yrs.
62% of children ages 5 – 12 yrs.
66% of adult seniors
33% of adults ages 18 – 49
50% of pregnant women
When should you get vaccinated?
While flu usually peaks between December and February, there’s no telling when an outbreak may start. It’s take about two weeks from the date of the shot for protection to kick in. So don’t wait!
Most vaccines are covered by private and government insurance – many with no copay. Out of pocket prices vary and usually range from $32 to $40.
Don’t like needles?
This year there are several types available, including a nasal spray for those ages 2 – 49. This year there is also a needle-free jet injector that pushes the vaccine into a stream of fluid that penetrates the skin. It’s recommended for those adults ages 18 – 64. Other choices are available to different age groups and various health conditions. They include the “intradermal,” sometimes called skin-deep shots, which use very tiny needles to penetrate the skin. Then there is a version available for those allergic to the chicken eggs used in creating most vaccines. And there’s a high-dose version for seniors 65 and older whose immune system doesn’t respond to flu vaccine in the same manner as the younger generations do.
Like the man says…
The advice from Tom Frieden, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “It doesn’t matter which flu vaccine you get. Just get one.”
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