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theflu
fight
While it’s very safe for the
majority of us, the vaccine is not
recommended for those who
have a severe allergy to chicken
eggs; had a severe adverse reac-
tion to a previous shot; have had
Guillain-Barré Syndrome; or if
you currently have an illness
with fever (in that case, wait
until you’re better).
November is National Flu Shot Month! While you may not feel you need a flu shot,
reconsider: Getting vaccinated
not only protects you, it also
helps safeguard those you love.
It’s even more important if you
or someone you live with is at
high risk for flu complications,
such as those with chronic
health conditions like asthma
or diabetes, young children,
and the elderly.
or at-home caregivers
• Anyone who lives with or cares for a baby under
6 months
• Babies and children, between 6 months
and their 19th birthday
• Pregnant women
WHERE TO GET VACCINATED
The CDC’s Healthy People
2010 set a goal of having 90%
of Americans age 50 and up
receive a flu vaccine. The goal
has not been met in any one state, even though it’s
easier than ever to get the vaccine. Flu shots are
offered at doctor’s offices, clinics, hospitals, and
many non-traditional outlets, such as at your
workplace. You can even stop into your local
Walgreens Pharmacy, which offers flu shots
nationwide – 7,000 stores in 50 states. The cost,
$24.99, is often partially or totally covered by
health insurance (if you have Medicare
Part B, it may be fully covered). To find a
Walgreens near you, go to www.walgreens.com/flu,
or call 1-800-WALGREENS.
WHO SHOULD GET VACCINATED
The Centers for Disease
Control’s (CDC) Advisory
Committee on Immunization
Practices (ACIP) names these
“high priority” groups:
• Anyone over age 50
• Anyone with a chronic
health condition
• Anyone who lives with a
person with a chronic
health condition
• Anyone in contact with
high-risk individuals, such
as hospital or clinic personnel
WHEN TO GET VACCINATED
Now is a good time to get your flu shot, since the
flu season can begin as early as October and last
throughout the winter. And remember, it takes
about two weeks for the immunization to become
effective. Just check with your doctor to be sure
you’re a good candidate for the vaccination.
SOURCE
www.cdc.gov/FLU/about/qa/flushot.htm
FLU FACTS Learn about flu – so you can fight against it for yourself and those you love!
• Flu is a catch-all term for a variety of different
viruses that cause respiratory illness.
• Symptoms include high fever, headache and
muscle aches, exhaustion, dry cough and sore
throat, and a runny or stuffy nose.
have the virus, you are contagious (can infect
others) a day before you show symptoms, and up
to five days after you get sick.
• Wash hands frequently to prevent the spread
of germs.
• Complications of flu are bacterial pneumonia, ear
or sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of
chronic medical conditions.
• Flu is highly contagious, spreading from person
to person through coughing and sneezing. If you
• Flu strains mutate from year to year, so it’s important to get vaccinated every year. The flu shot for
each year is specifically designed to provide immunity to the most common viruses in that year.
SOURCE
www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm
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