Immunization

What You Should Know About Influenza Vaccine

You need a flu vaccine every year for optimal protection; yearly vaccination is needed because:

• Flu viruses are always changing and new vaccine is made each year so that the vaccine protects against the currently circulating influenza viruses.
• Immune protection from vaccination declines over time so vaccination is recommended every year for optimal protection.

It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body to develop full protective immunity.

Flu activity usually peaks in February in the United States and can last as late as May. As long as flu viruses are circulating, it’s not too late to get vaccinated.

With flu activity increasing and family and friends gathering for the holidays, now is a great time to get a flu vaccine to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Some Children May Need 2 Doses

Some children may need two doses of flu vaccine this season to be fully protected. Children younger than 9 years old who are getting vaccinated for the first time will need two doses of vaccine. Some children who have received influenza vaccine previously also will need two doses of vaccine this season to be fully protected. Healthcare providers can tell families if their child needs two doses.  

• The 2009 H1N1 flu virus continues to circulate. It wasn’t added to the seasonal vaccine until the 2010-2011 flu season. This means that children who did not get the monovalent 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine in 2009-2010, or a seasonal flu vaccine in 2010-2011 or later, will not be fully protected from the 2009 H1N1 flu virus until they receive two doses of the 2012-2013 flu vaccine.
• If your child is younger than 9 and has been vaccinated with only one dose of either the monovalent 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine in 2009-2010 or a seasonal flu vaccine in 2010-2011 or later, make sure he/she gets a second dose if recommended their doctor.
• The first dose should be given as soon as vaccine becomes available. The second dose should be given at least 28 days after the first dose.
• The first dose “primes” the immune system; the second dose provides immune protection. Children who only get one dose but need two doses can have reduced or no protection from a single dose of flu vaccine. If your child has not received a first dose of flu vaccine, get his/her first dose of vaccine now.
• Children 6 months through 8 years of age who require 2 doses of flu vaccine do not need to get the same kind of vaccine both times; it’s possible to receive the shot or nasal spray for either dose.
• Everyone 9 years of age and older needs only one dose of 2012-2013 flu vaccine.

You Have Options for Receiving Your Influenza Vaccine

This season, the regular flu shot is available along with the nasal spray vaccine. The nasal spray is an option for healthy, non-pregnant people 2-49 years of age. There also is a “high-dose” vaccine for people 65 and older and an intradermal vaccine with a much smaller needle that is approved for use in people 18 to 64 years old.

Influenza Vaccine is Safe

Millions of doses of influenza vaccine have been administered to people safely for decades.

Have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season!

Once vaccinated, you can enjoy this holiday season knowing that you have taken the single best step to protect yourself and your loved ones against the flu.