For months, health officials have been talking about the importance of taking flu shots next fall and winter season, although questions have been raised over time.
The flu vaccine is only effective for a few months, so when is the right time to get one that has spread to the 2020-2021 flu season?
The answer is right now.
September is the right time, according to the recommendations of the doctors we asked and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Why was it so early in Gust?
“Flu shots protect against the flu for at least six years Months, ”says Jennifer May-Ortiz, a family physician at the summit. “Healthcare professionals usually aim to vaccinate patients starting in September by the end of October so that patients are protected from the peak of the flu season.”
It warns that flu shots work by boosting the body’s immune system by producing antibodies to specific strains of influenza virus, “and it takes your body about two weeks to get a flu vaccine, when it gets a full response.”
In addition, Covid-19 marks the second wrinkle of the flu season this year, said Dr. Scotch Plains, a family physician. Payal Joshi has stated.
“Because of the current epidemic, this year’s flu shot is even more important,” says Joshi. “The flu vaccine gives little protection to anyone if they come up with both the flu and Covid-19 at the same time.”
Joshi says everyone should get the flu vaccine (with rare exceptions), and people at high risk years or older, very young and with long-term conditions or those whose immune systems are weakened – also have an increased risk of flu complications.
“Teachers, first responders, who travel to work or are in close proximity to someone at high risk for flu complications should also make sure to take flu shots,” she says.
The CDC warns that you should be vaccinated by the end of October, even if you miss that deadline, as long as the influenza virus has spread.
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Jessica Remo can be reached [email protected].
