topic Re: Flu shots? in Wellness

Flu shots?

lovesrecess — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 15:31:49 GMT

I was planning on getting my flu shot this week, but SIL, who is my age, said her dr said it is too early; the immunity from the flu would not last through the flu season and best to wait til end of October to get the flu shot. Are you putting off getting yours for another month? Am so anxious due to COVID I don't want to risk getting the flu and then, heaven forbid, have to deal with that at the same time. What's your plan for the flu shot? I hope they have already prepared to have enough of them this year.

Re: Flu shots?

I am still oxox — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 15:31:06 GMT

I have a friend who works in Urgent Care and he said end of Sept is fine for the flu shot

Re: Flu shots?

ScrapHappy — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 15:33:48 GMT

I'm taking my daughter for her flu shot this week, 9/23. Otherwise the next available wouldn't be until mid November. I just so happened to call at the right time because there was a cancellation. I plan on making appointments for myself and my husband tomorrow.

Re: Flu shots?

wilma — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 15:39:51 GMT

I received an email from my doctor suggesting I call and schedule my flu shot. I am at risk for bronchial infections & viruses including COVID. I think I read or heard somewhere that the immunity boost of a flu shot lasts for 6 months. Maybe someone here can confirm or deny that.

Re: Flu shots?

Suziepeach — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 15:48:00 GMT

Kaiser Georgia started their "drive thru" flu shots September 14th- we got ours a few days later. If you want your shot given indoors, you have to make an appointment.

Re: Flu shots?

gidgetgh — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 15:49:33 GMT

I got mine in August. My doctor said to go ahead and get it. I went to the grocery store pharmacy, got the shot and a free $10 gift card.

Re: Flu shots?

Krimpette — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 15:57:25 GMT

My NP has always said not before October. I'll be getting mine in early October.

Re: Flu shots?

freakygirl — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 15:58:29 GMT

my husband already got it last week. his doctor said it was okay to.

Re: Flu shots?

ALRATIBA — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 16:05:08 GMT

I'll probably get mine the next time I'm around the corner in Walgreen's and (1) they are giving out the shots and (2) I'm wearing short sleeve shirt.

Last year we had to make appts - don't know what the deal is this year.

My doc's office is around the opposite corner - so that's another option - but I need to make appt.

I usually get shot around end of Sept. / beginning of October.

Re: Flu shots?

spiderw — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 16:20:49 GMT

I had my shot a few weeks ago and made a point of asking if it would last the season. They lady who administered the shot assured me it would. I didn't want to wait until Nov. when I have a doctor appointment. My doctor agreed with my decision.

Re: Flu shots?

patbz — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 16:29:59 GMT

DH and I got ours at end of August. I checked with Pharmacist and he said no need to worry getting it early, especially since we get our flu shots religiously and there is some cumulative effect from that. He also said there may be shortages later.

Re: Flu shots?

Xivambala — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 16:31:21 GMT

I'll get mine next month, October.

Re: Flu shots?

ProudMa — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 16:36:47 GMT

Before you decide...call around to see if they have the Senior shot....places already out of them...

that is if you are of a certain age..

Re: Flu shots?

zanna — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 16:38:36 GMT

I just got mine this morning at CVS. Frankly, I was afraid supplies of the senior dose flu vaccine might run short here in Dallas. Just following my intuition, no other reason. Also, our COVID threat level was recently dropped for the first time since May, and my 7 and 4 year old grandsons are scheduled to return to the classrooms Oct 5. Hoping for the best and preparing for the inevitable germ exchange.

Re: Flu shots?

JanetsGirl — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 16:42:02 GMT

It takes about two weeks after the flu shot to produce antibodies. Flu shot lasts about six months BUT its effectiveness decreases over time -- so you have way more protection first month after shot than in month six. So figure out when your part of the country normally gets hit with the flu. On the west coast this usually means Jan or Feb, so waiting until Nov to get the shot is not viewed as unreasonable.

From the CDC's website:

"You should get a flu vaccine before flu viruses begin spreading in your community, since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against flu. Make plans to get vaccinated early in fall, before flu season begins. CDC recommends that people get a flu vaccine by the end of October. However, getting vaccinated early (for example, in July or August) is likely to be associated with reduced protection against flu infection later in the flu season, particularly among older adults. Vaccination should continue to be offered throughout the flu season, even into January or later."

Re: Flu shots?

ciao_bella — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 16:48:20 GMT

Got mine about a week ago. Usually wait until October but this year my doctor said more people will decide on getting the flu shot due to COVID. I didn't want the pharmacies to run out or have shortages like has happened some years in the past. Don't forget to ask for the 'senior flu' vaccine, if you're 65 or over.

When I went to the pharmacy for the flu shot, the pharmicist said it was much busier this year than other years with people getting the flu shot sooner.

Re: Flu shots?

SilleeMee — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 16:48:23 GMT

I have a question and maybe you guys can help me here please...

I live alone and have no family. I get no visitors ever and I don't go anywhere except to pick up my food at curb-side. In other words, I never get close to anyone or go anywhere where I could. My question is: If you were in my shoes, would you get the flu shot?

Re: Flu shots?

Zaimee — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 16:49:24 GMT

Received mine at Publix supermarket on Friday. Nice to get a $10 gift card. Arm is still sore.

DH went in A few weeks ago. He was worried they would run out.

Re: Flu shots?

ciao_bella — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 16:53:46 GMT

@SilleeMee I would still get the flu shot. Suppose you have to go to the doctor, Urgent care, dental office or ER unexpectedly or somewhere you might not ordinarily have to go. Better to be safe than sorry.

Re: Flu shots?

SilleeMee — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 16:56:15 GMT

Thanks @ciao_bella . You made a good point about emergency situations.