topic Re: Flu shots this year in Wellness

Flu shots this year

qualitygal — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 20:14:06 GMT

I'm tempted to get mine next trip to the store. The Pharmacist sent papers so I can get it done. Third year this year, and so far so good. I hear about the kids getting sick here mostly in the Midwest it seems like and hope soon they get that bugger that's making them sick. Hubbie thinks it should wait until next month, I'm kind of leary about waiting.

When do you get your flu shots?

Re: Flu shots this year

karlam — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 20:17:10 GMT

I usually get mine in October.

Re: Flu shots this year

DoneTryin — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 20:19:47 GMT

I usually get mine in Oct-Nov, but I plan to get it this weekend.

Re: Flu shots this year

momshan — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 20:24:52 GMT

I usually get mine in Oct. I was told the vaccine only lasts for about 3 months so getting it in Oct will last through Feb, the height of the flu season.

Re: Flu shots this year

Clover29 — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 20:31:31 GMT

On 9/10/2014 momshan said:
I usually get mine in Oct. I was told the vaccine only lasts for about 3 months so getting it in Oct will last through Feb, the height of the flu season.

Told by whom?

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/ColdandFluQuestions/story?id=5677892

"The immunity from the vaccine actually lasts for a substantial period of time. In past years people used to be concerned that the immunity would fade but we have much better data now that supports that immunity actually can extend throughout the influenza season into the spring, and in many cases actually into the following year."

Re: Flu shots this year

2blonde — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 20:36:45 GMT

I work at a large public institution where the local hospital comes in and gives it to the full time employees (my employer pays for it). This year they are giving it on October 2. Last year it actually was the end of September. I get it every year, and so far no flu (I have asthma, so got to be careful).

Re: Flu shots this year

Lilysmom — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 20:42:09 GMT

I usually get mine late Sept or early Oct. I am going to wait a bit this year. I got it last year and got a BAD flu the first week of Feb during my sun vacation. Spent the while week in bed shivering in the a/c. So disappointing! LM

Re: Flu shots this year

RedTop — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 20:50:35 GMT

I get mine in October. When I worked, the hospital always did flu shots in October, to provide the most protection during flu season. One year my daughter got her flu shot at her doctors office in August, and then had to get a second flu shot in February, due to the flu season being so severe, and the fear she would not be adequately protected after 6 months. Our bodies process flu vaccine differently, and some of us will not be protected after 6 months, which is why people who have taken a flu shot will get the flu later in the season.

Re: Flu shots this year

DoneTryin — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 21:07:07 GMT

I don't know how long the protection of a flu shot is supposed to be, but in years past when there was an outbreak in & after Feb, the news reported that the CDC said it was a different flu bug than what was planned for in the vaccine distributed the previous fall. So, we can try to help ourselves as much as we can, but there's no 100% guarantee.

I also read several years ago in Good Housekeeping magazine that some medical research had revealed somewhat of an accumulative protective effect of flu & pneumonia shots given to people over age 50 when they had their shots every year or as advised by their health care provider.

Re: Flu shots this year

Krimpette — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 21:09:08 GMT

I got mine last Friday. Last I read was that the shots last about 8 months. Sounds like nobody really knows for sure, however.

Re: Flu shots this year

Kathlen — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 21:14:06 GMT

Usually by mid-September. I usually just go down the street to Walgreens.

I don't have to see the doctor until next April.

Re: Flu shots this year

FrostyBabe — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 21:15:52 GMT

End of September or early October. Whenever I see my PCP for my annual exam.

Re: Flu shots this year

hckynut — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 21:16:47 GMT

Think I will get mine when I my next monthly B-12 shot is due. I get these at my Hematologist's office. Going to call and make sure they have them. Last season they ran out and I had to reschedule to the next month B-12 shot.

Re: Flu shots this year

harcon — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 21:19:13 GMT

Since I'm over 65 I got my hi dose flu shot last week at CVS. The same pharmacist that gave me the shot last year gave it to me. He is the best as I never feel the needle and afterwards I have no pain at all. He said the secret is to let the alcohol dry before giving the injection.

Re: Flu shots this year

Mama Mia — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 21:48:45 GMT

Ours is Sept. 23rd, at the Health Dept., if the shots are in.

Re: Flu shots this year

PINKdogWOOD — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 22:13:21 GMT

My local CVS is already attaching coupons to pharmacy refills to get flu shots. For sure I'll get one within the next month or so. I never used to but I have been for the past 5 yrs now if not a few more. Knock wood - I haven't had the flu in years. Thank you Heavenly Father!!!!

Re: Flu shots this year

glmama — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 22:24:58 GMT

I've never gotten one. I've gotten them for my kids, but not for myself or my DH.

Re: Flu shots this year

Moonchilde — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 22:28:02 GMT

As a hospital employee, we pretty much get them whether we want to or not. BIIIG deal to decline. Usually late Sept/early Oct. supposedly the earlier you get it, the more time your body has to develop stronger immunity before prime flu season hits.

Re: Flu shots this year

hopeQ1 — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 22:33:10 GMT

Don't listen to anyone. It doesn't matter when you get it. But keep in mind, two things: It takes a little bit over two weeks to become effective in your body, so you can acquire it during that time, and secondly, as soon as it is available for the public in your area, it is safe to take it and it lasts for over a year, so waiting will not make it last longer or give you better coverage. Go ahead and get it when convenient. You can avoid crowds by getting it as early as possible, because most people are wrongly of the mind set that it's best to wait until later months and colder weather, or until the flu is actually in their areas. Not true.

And BTW, everyone, the flu shot is a DEAD virus, and you CAN NOT get the flu or a cold from receiving the injection. If you get those symptoms, you were getting them anyway.

Re: Flu shots this year

Vivian — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 22:36:49 GMT

I got mine last week. The Rite Aid pharmacist said there was a more powerful vaccine recommended for asthmatics and those over 65. I'm both. My daughter says that more strains of flu are covered in the shot I got. I had no reaction. Years ago I almost died from flu so I get my shot every year.