Flu vaccine facts: what you need to know
It’s as predictable as the changing seasons — with the start of fall and winter comes flu season and an increase in respiratory viruses. Medical experts agree that getting a flu vaccine remains the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from serious illness caused by the virus.
Habits like washing your hands frequently, staying away from people who are sick and taking care of your immune system are all important ways to avoid the flu this season, but doctors say the best thing you can do to protect yourself is get the flu vaccine annually.
How does a flu vaccine work?
The flu is caused by the influenza virus. It is an unpredictable virus that can mutate or change over time, which is why various strains of the vaccine are created each year. When you receive the flu vaccine your body is being introduced to a non-infectious version of the virus. That bit of the influenza virus signals your body to create flu antibodies. Antibodies are the proteins in your body that fight against illnesses. Basically, the vaccine tricks your body into fighting the flu without making you feel sick.
Five reasons to get the flu vaccine
5 reasons you should get the flu vaccine
- Fewer sick days: It protects you against the flu and lessens the severity if you do catch it.
- Saves you money: Avoid a flu-associated hospital or doctor visit.
- Pregnancy protection: Flu vaccines protect the mother and the baby several months after birth.
- Helps those with health issues: The chance of flu-related complications for those with cardiac conditions, diabetes or chronic lung disease are lessened.
- Protects those around you: Even if you don’t have symptoms, the virus can still be contagious.
Here are a few reasons why it’s important for you to get your flu vaccine every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
1.
Fewer sick days.
The vaccination prevents the flu or lessens the severity of the flu, which means you spend less time cooped up in the house and more time enjoying life.
2.
Saves you money.
A flu vaccine reduces the chances of flu-associated hospitalizations or doctor visits, which reduces copays or hospital bills that may have been associated with catching the virus.
3.
Pregnancy protection.
Getting a flu vaccine while pregnant protects women during and after their pregnancy and can also protect the baby several months after birth. Research shows that flu vaccines are safe for pregnant women. Just talk to your doctor before getting any vaccine.
Preventive care is your first line of defense
Preventive care and regular visits to your primary care provider can help you feel better faster and avoid more serious illness — which saves you time and money in the long run. Find out how to stay ahead of illness, plus more, when you visit the preventive care section of Blue.
4.
It helps those with chronic conditions.
By getting vaccinated, those with cardiac conditions, diabetes or chronic lung diseases see a significant reduction in hospitalizations or doctor visits.
5.
Protects the people around you.
Even if you don’t show flu-like symptoms, the virus can still be contagious to those around you.
Is the flu vaccine safe?
Yes. According to the World Health Organization, the flu vaccine is an inactivated virus which means that the vaccine cannot give you the flu. It is the best possible way to protect yourself and others from getting the virus.
The more people who get vaccinated, the quicker we can stop the spread of the flu in our communities, homes, schools and workplaces this fall and winter.
When should you get a flu vaccine?
The CDC says you can get vaccinated throughout the fall. Children age six months through eight years of age may need two doses of the vaccine, so getting the vaccination early in the season may be even more important for that age group.
Ideally, you should get the flu vaccine before influenza activity picks up in your community, but as long as the flu virus is circulating, vaccination should continue. Talk to your primary care provider if you need to get the vaccine later in the season.
Where can I get the flu vaccine?
You have options for where you can get your flu vaccine. You can get your vaccine from your primary care provider at their office, go to your local pharmacy, visit a public health clinic or even administer it yourself with the new at-home flu vaccine.
Get vaccinated for free!
Flu vaccines are typically covered at 100 percent by Wellmark health plans. Before getting a vaccine, log in to myWellmark® to check your benefits and find an in-network health care provider.
Triple coverage: flu, RSV and COVID-19
Vaccines and immunizations for three major respiratory viruses — COVID-19, flu and RSV — are available in the United States now. Talk to your provider to see if receiving all three vaccines is right for you. You can also check the CDC website to see if you are in the recommended age group for triple vaccination.
Check out our "Get a clue about the flu" series
Need more information about colds and flu, as well as how to avoid them? Take a look at these articles: