Before each flu season, people all over the country hear about Flu Vaccination, but how many people really know about vaccination and why it is important? Influenza is a disease that has killed millions of people. It can easily lead to a person needing medical care in a hospital. It’s important to understand that flu seasons vary and that the flu can affect different people in different ways. When it comes to influenza, some demographics are more susceptible than others. It’s estimated that roughly 90% of the people killed by the flu are at least 65 years of age. People who have problems with their immune systems are also at risk.
So how does Flu Vaccination from Allegheny Medical Integrated Health Services or any other medical care provider work? Flu vaccines will help a person develop antibodies about 14 days after the vaccination was received. It is these antibodies that will help protect a person from the flu viruses that were used to create the vaccine. Extensive research is used to determine which flu viruses will be the most active during each flu season. There are traditional vaccines that are used to protect people from H3N2, H1N1, and the flu B virus. There are also vaccines that protect against those three viruses and one other virus.
Even though it’s is recommended that everyone who is older than six months of age gets vaccinated, there are some people who shouldn’t get vaccinated. There are some individuals who have life-threatening allergies to some of the ingredients that are used in vaccines. Some vaccinations also come with age indicators. There are high-dose shots that are meant to be used with people who are at least 65. Also, people who are not between the ages of 18 and 64 shouldn’t receive an intradermal shot. If a person doesn’t know whether or not he/she should get a flu shot, consulting with a doctor is best.
When there are shortages of flu vaccines, vaccination efforts need to be targeted at specific people who are at risk. Young children and people who are over the age of 50 should be priorities. Women who are pregnant should also be the first to get shots. For a full list of who should receive priority during a vaccine shortage, contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC). You can follow them on Google+.
