Why you (yes, you) need the flu vaccine this year

If you’ve ever had the flu and felt miserable, you know you don’t want it again. Combined with essential habits such as handwashing, the flu vaccine is your best defense against getting sick.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, so we’re highlighting one of the most common vaccines: the flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that nearly everyone age 6 months and older get their flu shot each year.

Why do you need an annual flu vaccine? The University Medical Center New Orleans team explains.

Why the flu vaccine is an annual shot

Most vaccines are recommended as single doses or as a series of vaccines given during childhood. There’s a common misconception that all vaccines let you “set it and forget it.” Essentially, get the vaccine, and you will be fully (and permanently) protected from infection.

That’s simply not true. Many respiratory illnesses, including the flu, evolve and mutate over time. Each flu season, different flu viruses—or strains—are more prevalent. To lower your risk of infection, you need an updated flu shot each year specially designed to protect against those flu strains.

That’s how the flu vaccine works. The vaccine prepares your immune system to fend off the influenza virus. Every year, researchers reformulate the flu vaccine to target the strains of the flu projected to be most common during that flu season. This year’s flu vaccine is a “trivalent” vaccine, protecting against three different strains of the flu.

Another misconception about vaccines is that they all provide permanent protection against infection. While that is true for some, the annual flu vaccine aims to prevent severe complications associated with any flu viruses you encounter. The effectiveness varies year to year, but it’s about 40% to 60% effective at preventing infection.

In some cases, it can prevent the flu altogether in people who get vaccinated. If you get the flu after getting a flu shot, you usually feel less sick and sick for a shorter period.

Researchers are constantly working to adapt and improve the flu vaccine. While a combined flu/COVID-19 vaccine to protect against both infections is in development, it is safe to receive both vaccinations at the same visit.

The who/what/when of the flu vaccine

As noted above, the CDC recommends the flu vaccine for nearly every one of every age. It’s particularly essential for those with medical conditions affecting the immune system, young children and people 65 and older, all of whom are at a higher risk of complications from the flu. Pregnant women should also be vaccinated since they can pass protective antibodies to their babies.

Children receiving flu vaccines for the first time need two doses of the flu vaccine for complete protection. If you’re age 65 or older, talk with your provider about whether you should have a specially formulated version of the flu shot for added security.

When should you get the flu vaccine? You should be vaccinated against the flu before the flu season begins. Typically starting in October, the flu season continues into May, peaking between December and February. The CDC recommends vaccination in September and October, so aim to get your flu shot before Halloween.

That’s easy enough to remember, right? Think of the flu as a monster coming out for Halloween, and get your flu shot before then to keep yourself and your family safe!

Remember, the best way to ensure you're getting the right vaccines at the right time is to speak with your primary care provider. Is it time for a checkup? Schedule a primary care appointment today and discuss what vaccines you need and when.