Nowadays, everywhere you turn you hear people talking about the flu shot. It seems like almost every drugstore or pharmacy out there offers them, but you constantly hear advertisements telling you to come in now. They have the newest flu shot in stock. You better hurry, everyone should receive a flu shot. So, how do you decide what flu shot you should get and when? A pharmacist in Ledyard CT can help navigate the confusing world of the flu shot.
Which Flu Vaccine Should You Get?
You may notice different pharmacies or doctors advertising that they have the new vaccine or that they have the nasal mist. The flu vaccine can come in many forms, including a high-dose vaccine, intradermal vaccine, regular flu shot, and a nasal spray. In reality, the CDC has only made one recommendation about the type of flu shot to receive. Beginning in 2014, the CDC recommended all healthy children between two and eight years old should receive the nasal spray flu vaccine. However, they also released a statement indicating that if the nasal spray is not available, a child should receive a regular flu shot as soon as possible versus waiting for another supply of the nasal vaccine to arrive.
When Should You Get The Flu Vaccine?
The earlier, the better does not tend to hold true for the flu vaccine. Generally, flu shots are available as early as the first of September. The flu season historically peaks in January or February. If you receive your vaccination too early, your immunity can begin waning by February or March. This leaves you more exposed to the virus.
Once received, the vaccine takes about two weeks for the antibodies to develop in the body and offer full protection against the influenza virus. For this reason, it’s recommended to receive the vaccine anytime in October. This allows for protection from early outbreaks as well as full protection through the peak outbreak period in February.
When it comes to the flu shot, getting it late is better than not getting it at all. A quick trip to your pharmacist in Ledyard CT, in January will still offer protection during the worst outbreak periods of the year.
