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Serina from the Quee
ns asks:
Why should I get a flu shot ? Flu Shots are very important to stop the flu.
The single best way to protect against the flu is to get a flu shot (or to “get vaccinated”) each year.
The flu shot is actually a flu vaccine that contains the killed virus, and it is given as shot in the arm. It has three viruses in one. About two weeks after you get the shot, little antibodies, or fighting cells, provide protection against the virus that could develop in your body.
When should I get vaccinated?
NOW, or as soon as you hear about it on TV, in the doctor’s office, or in the newspaper. Flu season is December, January, and beyond.
Though you can get the flu at any time, many people get sick in January or later.
Who should get the flu shot?
Some of the people who should get the flu shot:
- Children from age 6 months to age 19
- Pregnant women
- People 50 years of age and older
- Anyone who is depressed
- Older adults living in a nursing home
- Anyone who takes cares of anyone listed: health care workers, stay-at-home moms, and those taking care of elderly parents.
Who should not get the flu shot?
- People who are allergic to chicken eggs
- Those who have had a bad reaction to a previous flu shot (this doesn’t include a sore arm after the injection)
- People who have ever developed a sickness called Guillain-Barre Syndrome within 6 weeks of getting a flu shot
- Those who have a fever or cold at the time of getting the flu shot
- Children less than 6 months of age.
Patricia M. Gonzalez, RN, BSN,CPAN, Director of ICU at Kingston/Benedictine Hospital, Kingston, NY
