Getting a flu shot can help protect yourself and others from the seasonal flu. Much of the focus the last couple of years has been on getting the Covid-19 vaccine and boosters, so many people may have forgotten the importance of also getting a flu shot. Since last year's flu season had a low number of cases, it's possible that this year could be more serious.
What's new for the 2022-2023 flu season?
- It's recommended that people 65 and older use a higher dose of the adjuvanted flu vaccines over standard dose to create a stronger immune response.
- The composition of the flu vaccines has been updated. Read more here.
- Ideally, it's best to get the flu vaccine by the end of October.
Where can I get a flu shot?
The Orchard Hospital Medical Specialty Center – Your Everyday Health Care Clinic – offers a walk-in flu vaccine during the hours of:
Monday - Friday | 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Should I get a flu shot?
Yes! Flu viruses are constantly changing so it's not unusual for new viruses to appear each year. This year, the CDC recommends flu shots anyone age 6 months and older. Even if you are healthy and have no underlying medical conditions, by getting a flu shot you're protecting vulnerable populations that are at risk for severe illness.
As flu season once again approaches, it's not too early to get your flu shot because when flu season kicks up, it's easy for the disease to be passed from one person to another. Start taking proper precautions now for you and your family by following the tips below and getting a flu shot.
According to WebMD, if you develop the flu, it can leave you laid up in bed for days, possibly weeks. If you develop the flu, you can experience:
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Fever of 101 or above
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Muscle aches and pains
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Severe fatigue
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Stuffy/runny nose
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Dry, unproductive cough
In some cases, the flu can result in serious complications, such as pneumonia. To keep from getting sick, you should get the flu vaccine each year. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) , the flu shot can reduce your risk of developing the flu by 40 to 60 percent.
Will the flu vaccine protect me against Covid-19?
Getting a flu vaccine will not protect against COVID-19, however flu vaccination has many other important benefits. Flu vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization and death. Getting a flu vaccine this fall will be more important than ever, not only to reduce your risk from flu but also to help conserve potentially scarce health care resources.
What Types of Flu Vaccines Are Available?
There are a few different types of flu vaccines available. The vaccine that you choose depends on your age and your preference.
- Standard dose flu shots
- High-dose shots for people 65 years and older
- Shots made with adjuvant for people 65 years and older
- Shots made with virus grown in cell culture. No eggs are involved in the production of this vaccine
- Shots made using a vaccine production technology (recombinant vaccine) that do not require having a candidate vaccine virus (CVV) sample to produce
- Live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV). – A vaccine made with attenuated (weakened) live virus that is given by nasal spray.
Can I Get The Flu From the Flu Shot?
There are many people who avoid getting the flu shot because they're worried that they will develop the flu. It's possible to have some minor side effects the next day, such as redness in the area where the shot was given, a mild fever, and minor muscle aches. These side effects typically last just 24 hours.
The standard, high-dose, and the recombinant shots don't contain the active flu virus, which is necessary to develop the flu.
The Flu-Mist vaccine contains a very small amount of the active flu virus, however, it isn't enough to cause the flu. Since the vaccine cannot cause the flu, there is no reason not to get one.
Considering how debilitating the flu can be, the fact that it can make you miserable, and the fact that you can easily spread it to others, you should get your flu shot this year sooner rather than later!
The professionals at Orchard Hospital can get you vaccinated quickly, keeping you healthy throughout the entire flu season.
Visit us at our Medical Specialty Center—Your Everyday Health Care Clinic—if you think you may be coming down with the flu or would like to get a flu shot. We offer flu immunizations as well as screening, diagnosis, and treatment for the flu. We will take care of you quickly and efficiently. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Open 7 days a week. It’s our goal to have fast and friendly care while delivering quality health care.
Our mission at Orchard Hospital is to provide our community with superior healthcare. We strive to ensure that your experience at Orchard Hospital is as pleasant and comfortable as possible. Our priority is to provide you with the care you need when you need it, with skill, compassion, and respect.
