This is a question I have been asked a lot over the past two weeks. I am also asked, if Emily or I get the flu vaccine.
Let’s start with some flu vaccine information. All info comes from the Center for Disease Control (CDC). The goal of getting the flu shot is to avoid getting the flu and passing the virus on to others. Let’s look at how effective the flu shot was in 2018/2019. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), for all ages, and all virus types, the 2018/2019 vaccine was 29% effective.
Each year, the vaccine is reformulated with different virus strains in the hopes of protecting against the most prevalent viruses expected that year. This year, the vaccines protect against 4 different strains, two A virus types and two B virus types. The formulation for the flu vaccine is changed every year. Unfortunately, scientists must make an educated guess when selecting stains for the current year, and the stains may change (mutate) during the flu season.
Often people talk about potential side effects of the vaccine. The CDC describes the side effects as mild, and only lasting a few days. Side effects can include local injection site soreness, headache, muscle aches, nausea, fever.
What does this mean for you? It is really a personal decision. Each person should consider the risks and benefits and choose what is right for you.
From my perspective, what is most important, whether you get the vaccine or not, is taking steps to boost your overall immune system, to protect against any and all strains of the flu virus (even those not in this year’s vaccine), as well as against cold viruses, stomach viruses and whatever else should come along. In Part 2 of this blog, I will give recommendations to boost the immune system, and then recommendations about what to do if you do get the flu or any other seasonal illness.
And if you want to know if Emily or I get the flu vaccine, just ask us next time you are in the office.
Take Care,
Ann
