Flu Vaccination & Vaccine Safety


Everyone 6 months of age and older should get the flu vaccine.  Seasonal flu vaccines have a very good safety track record. The flu vaccine is available by shot or nasal spray. Get your flu shot as soon as the vaccine is available in your area. It is especially important to get the vaccine if you, someone you live with, or someone you care for is at high risk of complications from the flu. Mild reactions such as soreness, headaches, and fever are common side effects of the flu vaccine. If you experience a severe reaction such as difficulty breathing, hives, or facial swelling, seek medical attention immediately.


How effective is the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine is the best protection against the flu this season. If you get the flu vaccine, you are 60% less likely to need treatment for the flu by a healthcare provider. Getting the vaccine has been shown to offer substantial other benefits including reducing illness, antibiotic use, time lost from work, hospitalizations, and deaths. 

When should I get the vaccine? 
Get the vaccine as soon as it is available in your area. Flu season usually peaks in January or February, but it can occur as late as May. Early immunization is the most effective, but it is not too late to get the vaccine in December, January, or beyond.


The flu shot is:
-Made with inactivated (killed) flu virus
-Given by needle
-Approved for use in healthy people older than 6 months and people with chronic health conditions

The 2013-2014 flu vaccine was available in 3 types:
-Regular, for people 6 months and older
-High-dose, for people 65 and older. This type contains a higher dose vaccine, which may lead to greater protection against the flu.
-Intradermal, for people 18-64. This type of shot is given with a needle 90% smaller than a regular flu shot and injected in your skin.

Should I get the flu vaccine if I’m not feeling well? 
If you are sick with a fever, you should wait until your fever is gone before getting a flu shot. However, you can get a flu shot if you have a respiratory illness without a fever, or if you have another mild illness. The nasal-spray flu vaccine can be given to people with minor illnesses, such as: diarrhea, a mild upper respiratory tract infection, with or without a fever. If you have nasal congestion, you should consider waiting to get the nasal-spray flu vaccine. Nasal congestion may limit the vaccine's ability to reach the nasal lining.

Are there side effects?  

Mild side effects usually begin soon after you get the vaccine and last one to two days.

Possible mild side effects of the flu shot include:
-Soreness, redness, and swelling at the injection site
-Fainting, mainly in adolescents
-Headaches
-Fever
-Nausea
​
Possible mild side effects of the nasal spray include:
-Runny nose
-Wheezing
-Headache
-Vomiting
-Muscle aches
-Fever

​Serious side effects usually begin within a few minutes to a few hours after receiving the shot.

Possible serious side effects of vaccination include:
-Difficulty breathing
-Hoarseness
-Swelling around the eyes or lips
-Hives
​-Paleness
-Weakness
-Racing heart
-Dizziness
​-Behavior changes
-High fever

​If you experience any of these reactions, seek medical attention immediately.


309-B Nash Street W,  Wilson, North Carolina 27893

Thomas Drug Store & 
  Home Medical Supply

Call Us:  252-237-1188