Information on Flu Shots

Vaccines for influenza are given annually. They are usually given by injection and contain three strains of inactive (killed) virus. The viruses that are used are developed in eggs. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the strains are selected based on the recommendation for the particular year. An alternative to an injection is a nasal spray vaccine that may be given to anyone between the ages of 2 and 49, as long as they are healthy and not pregnant.

Who Should Get It

• Flu shots are for anyone who wants to have them, but are highly recommended for children from ages 6 months to 19 years, pregnant women, people who are 50 or older, those who have certain chronic medical problems and anyone living in a nursing home or long-term care facility. In addition, the CDC indicates that those who care for or live with people that are at a high risk of developing flu complications are encouraged to be vaccinated. They include health care employees, household members who are in contact with high risk individuals and household members of those who provide care to children younger than 6 months old.

Effectiveness

• Effectiveness of the flu shot is dependent upon whether the strains that were given were the same as those that are circulating. If they do match, the shot can prevent the flu in about 70 percent to 90 percent of those younger than 65, according to the CDC. The effectiveness is between 30 percent and 70 percent in the prevention of hospitalization among the elderly and chronically ill. In nursing homes it can prevent serious illness and complications that require hospitalization by 50 percent to 60 percent, and deaths by as much as 80 percent.

Side Effects

• Side effects are normal and can last a day or two following the flu shot. You may experience swelling, redness or soreness at the site of the injection, a low grade fever and muscle aches. Serious side effects are rare, but can include an allergic reaction and Guillain-Barre syndrome. Symptoms of Guillain-Barre syndrome include fever, muscle weakness and nerve damage. According to the CDC, each year only about one in 100,000 develop this illness.

Who Should Not Get It

• Those who should not get the flu shot include anyone who has previously had a severe allergic reaction to the vaccine or to eggs. Anyone who has a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome may also be excluded. You should discuss it with your physician if either case applies prior to getting a flu shot. In addition, if you have a fever on the day your scheduled to receive your shot, your doctor or nurse may suggest that it be delayed until you are better.

Risks and Complications

• Although you can not get the flu from having a flu shot, there are some risks and complications that may occur. According to the CDC, the risk of serious harm or death is remarkably small. However, there are potential problems. A life-threatening allergic reactions may include symptoms of hoarseness, wheezing, breathing difficulties, hives, weakness, pale skin, rapid heartbeat or dizziness. These symptoms can occur within a few minutes of receiving the short or as much as a few hours later. If you have such a reaction, you should contact your doctor immediately.

Flu Clinics

• Flu shots are frequently given at local health departments and in some doctors' offices. The American Lung Association offers a Flu Clinic Locator. By entering your ZIP code into the search, you can obtain the list of clinics in your area, their locations, maps, phone numbers, dates and times.