Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine

by Sara Alvarado

Updated April 17, 2024
The influenza virus can be quite risky when contracted. It may result in rather severe illness and, in some cases, death. To avoid such a frightful event from happening, you should take a few shots of the flu vaccine. Most seasonal flu vaccines are given by injection into the muscle; however, there is also a nasally administered nasal spray flu vaccine.

Every year we witness tremendous devastation and rise in death rate globally because of a pandemic outbreak called influenza. This culminates to tens of thousands and even millions getting hospitalized and many people dying.

One way that has been identified to prevent or minimize spread of the disease to other people before their condition worsens is by doing vaccination using a flu vaccine. This article will explore how it works and key issues regarding seasonal flu vaccination.
Seasonal Flu Vaccine

1. What is the seasonal flu vaccine?

Influenza vaccine, commonly referred as the seasonal flu vaccine, is a killed influenza vaccine that is vital in preventing influenza viruses, also called The flu. It is usually given by injection into the muscle of the upper arm. Children aged six months or older should receive the seasonal influenza immunization to protect them from being sick with influenza during an epidemic. This is because every year new research is carried out so as to incorporate the current most severe form/strains of flu virus in the vaccine. This happens due to changes and evolution of viruses over time.

Have you heard about the trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine? Well, this is a very popular type of seasonal flu jab which offers protection against four kinds of influenza viruses. However, it has been predicted that these viruses will be mostly seen during the approaching period.Having said that, it would be advisable that you should take the vaccination shot during the fall, ideally by the end of the month of October. Vaccination can also be done through the late spring. You don't need to go miles to get vaccinated; you can head straight to the nearest doctor's office, community health clinic, or even pharmacy. Right after getting vaccinated, you would have to get a hold of yourself as it takes about 10 to 14 days for your body to develop an immune response; with that, many nations start immunization in early autumn.

2. How the vaccine is developed and updated annually

You know what they say if you don’t learn from your history you will repeat it again and again? Looking back on history, only an inactivated Influenza A virus was there for the original vaccine. This type of virus is just one out of four types of influenza viruses, namely A, B, C, and D. The first two types of viruses, A and B, are known to cause seasonal epidemics, termed flu season, occurring in almost all winter seasons in the United States.

The World Health Organization, CDC, the FDA and many other agencies join forces together by gathering/collecting and reevaluating data on the strains of influenza virus that have spread around the globe so that they are able to pick up those types that are probably going to cause more sickness in the upcoming flu season.

The Food and Drug Administration stated that the influenza vaccine drives the white blood cells to make more antibodies to help fight the flu. Producers of the vaccines grow the flu viruses using fertilized chicken eggs, and six months after hectic lab work and manufacturing, those viruses that were produced with the eggs are incorporated into that season's flu vaccine.

Research has shown that 5-20% of citizens in the United States, each flu season, are infected with the flu virus. On average, 8 out of every hundred U.S. citizens experience the flu illness.

Taking the vaccine reduces your chance of contracting the flu by about 60%. These viruses are so hard to predict, so the vaccines are updated yearly, from one season to the next.

Let's take a look at the different types of flu vaccines:
  • Quadrivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccines (IIV4),
  • Trivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccines (IIV3) and,
  • Quadrivalent Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV4) (Nasal spray)
During the 1940s, a two-component vaccine was produced after the discovery of Influenza B viruses. This vaccine protected many from both influenza A and influenza B viruses. On a yearly basis, a group of experts sit down to analyze the data of people who have been affected by the flu in the previous year. They also look at how these viruses evolve and the patterns in the disease's spread. Going through all these, they can come up with the flu virus strains that should be included in the upcoming year's vaccine. How so much work is done without our knowledge, just to keep us safe. What an actual act of heroism.

3. Who Should Get Flu Shots?

According to CDC’s recommendation vaccines should be given annually to any person aged 6 months or more. As earlier said, the effect of this annual influenza vaccine isn't all 100% perfect. However, still, it makes up for it by lowering the chances of having merciless complications from the infection.
Let's look at some individuals who are under our high-risk category for flu complications;
  • Adults that are aged past 65 years.
  • Adults in long-term care or nursing homes. Those in the hospital receiving care are also counted as high-risk.
  • Little children, mainly those aged 12 months or less.
  • Expectant mothers, pregnant women or lactating women (women who recently gave birth during the flu season).
Let's also add those groups in the United States who have a higher risk of needing treatment in the medical centre for flu. Those sets of individuals include people who are Alaska Native, American Indian or, Latino or Black.

Other groups at high risk for flu crisis include people with:
  • A body mass index (BMI) of about 40 or higher.
  • Weakened protective/immune systems.
  • Nervous system disarray or situations that change how information is processed by the brain.
There are several individuals with diverse health conditions that could make them prone to complications of seasonal flu such as:
  • The list includes kidney disease, asthma, heart disease, diabetes, liver ailment and kidney disorder among others.
  • People who have experience with stroke.
  • Individuals below 20 years of age and are receiving long-term aspirin therapy.
Kids who are between the ages of 6 months and 8 years should be given two shots of the vaccine. If it's the first time they are being given a vaccine, after the first shot, then four weeks after, the second shot should be given. After all that, they are all set to be given the average annual doses of the flu vaccine. Always check in with your child's professional physician or doctor.

Also, consult with a group of healthcare professionals if you have a history of allergies in previous years, as the vaccine should not be recommended to individuals who show allergic reactions several times to a previous flu vaccine.
However, you would have to consult those professionals thoroughly, as some responses might not be from the vaccine in the first place.
Seasonal Flu Vaccine

Photo by CDC from Unsplash

4. Benefits of the Flu Vaccine

The flu shot is a shield for your body. Doctors pick the virus types most likely to hit and make new vaccines every year following their advice. Even six-month-old babies should get this yearly guard; some might need it twice for full cover.

Shielding little ones under half a year old matters more because they can't have the vaccine yet; your own shot keeps them safer if you're around them. Getting vaccinated reduces your own risk of illness. It also protects nearby vulnerable people, casting a more comprehensive safety net against flu dangers that peak from late fall to springtime.

For those over 65 or with egg allergies—don't worry! Special shots exist for you too, minus eggs even—all set in places where doctors watch over things so risks stay low while protection levels soar high after vaccination—and remain strong until two months post-shot.

5. Timing and Administration

You should get your flu shot before the virus spreads each year. Aim for early fall, as it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against influenza virus infection. Still, if you miss this period, getting vaccinated later can still be beneficial during most seasons since flu outbreaks often occur well into winter or even spring.

Licensed vaccines are crucial, to ensure that what you receive is FDA-approved. Vaccine providers will update their information over time; stay informed by checking regularly. Remember that while timing varies yearly, vaccination remains a crucial step to protect yourself from severe respiratory illness and lighten the load on our healthcare system amidst other viral threats like COVID-19.

6. Vaccine Safety and Side Effects

Flu shots are safe for you, but they have mild side effects. These can include a sore arm or low fever; severe reactions are rare. For those at high risk, like little babies, the elderly, and people living with conditions like asthma, the vaccine is critical to prevent severe flu complications.

Let's say life-threatening allergic reactions to the shots are like one in a billion; that’s how rare it is. Allergic symptoms can range from paleness, fast heartbeat, breathing problems or weakness/dizziness. If they happen, it usually lasts within minutes to a few hours after taking the flu shots. You don’t have to worry if you are not, in any way, allergic to the "ingredients" that make up the vaccine, like eggs. While we still stand on the rarity, you should probably tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any experience with influenza vaccines or their ingredients.

On a sideline, there is a slight chance that the flu vaccine might be linked with Guillain-Barré syndrome. Fortunately, with no more than 2 cases or less per million people vaccinated, contracting it is much lower than the risk that comes with the flu, which can be prevented by taking the vaccine.

Also, always remember that your flu shot shields others as well by stopping the spread in communities. Getting that jab becomes even more vital if you're often around young kids or older adults. You might not get sick right away after the needle, as it takes about two weeks for full protection to kick in.

Even if it's past October, don't skip out; late vaccination still helps fight off illness throughout peak season. Health workers should especially stay up-to-date on their vaccines since they care for at-risk groups daily.

7. Improving Vaccination Rates

To boost flu shot numbers, clinics found success with clear roles and goals. One person leading the drive, paired with a report on outcomes, led to an 8% jump in shots for seniors at risk. This approach was part of a detailed U.K. study pinpointing what works best.

Effective tactics weren't guesses; they came from practices already doing well - city doctors to rural nurses all shared insights. These real-world tips formed the backbone of surveys that shaped this big-picture research. High rates are crucial: two-thirds who died from flu were at-risk yet unvaccinated — stark against England's aim for most vulnerable groups like seniors being protected by over seventy-five per cent each year.

8. Future Developments and Research

Looking ahead, research on flu vaccines aims to boost their protection. Scientists work hard to make shots that fight more virus types. They mix bits of different strains, hoping this could help year-round.

Soon, you might see a shot that lasts longer than one season or even several years with just one jab. They're also making strides in how we get the vaccine; think smaller needles—or none! Imagine a patch pressed onto your skin and—voilà—you're vaccinated without any ouch.

Keep an eye out for these changes—they'll mean big things for staying well during flu season.

9. Vaccine and Chronic Health Conditions

If you live with chronic health conditions, listen up. Your risk for serious flu complications is higher. The yearly flu shot helps a lot!

It can keep you away from doctors or even the hospital bed. Experts say it's key in fighting off strains like last year's H3N2 virus that matched well with the vaccine provided. Research shows that vaccines cut down the chances of getting sick enough to need medical help—this means fewer scary trips to hospitals.

A big group looking into this is VISION; they check how vaccines do against challenging illnesses each season and found solid results across several states. So remember, come flu season again: roll up your sleeve—it could be a lifesaver if sickness finds its way to you, especially when you are dealing with other health battles already.

10. Pregnancy and flu vaccination Safety

Flu shots are safe for you when pregnant. The CDC has checked this much, with lots of studies backing it up. They found no bad link to your little one inside.

No more chance of losing the baby early on either; a big 2019 study confirmed that after some thought otherwise before. Getting vaccinated cuts down flu risks while expecting by half, so both you and your baby-to-be stay healthier. It even keeps the baby safer after birth too.

Pretty rare: just sore arms or maybe a mild fever. Anytime's good in pregnancy for your shot, says top health panels like ACOP and experts at CDC.

11. Flu Shots Contribution to Public Health

When you get a flu shot, it's tailored to your needs. No bad reactions or health troubles? Then, any FDA-approved vaccine should do fine.

There are eleven kinds for the season we're talking about. Most are shots with dead viruses in them; others use fancy lab methods sans eggs—good news if they give you trouble! Some guard against three virus types, while another throws in an extra B strain defence—the quadrivalent one.

With these options, public health gets stronger as each person picks their best fit to stay healthy and keep the bug from spreading far and wide.

12. Can I lower my risk of the flu without getting a flu shot?

The seasonal vaccine flu is your sure odd when it comes to defending yourself against seasonal influenza, aka the flu. However, there are other ways of protecting oneself from influenza or other respiratory infections like COVID-19 apart from vaccines. Let’s see some of the ways;
  • Precaution 1: Wash your hands always. A basic health guideline requires washing one’s hand frequently and totally with soap and water. The process of washing your hands should take at least 20 seconds. In case, where you don’t have soap and water available with you? You can make use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer instead.
Seasonal Flu Vaccine
  • Precaution 2; Get your body fit with good eating practice, lots of exercise, and good sleep when it boils down to stress management. The possible worst thing you can do in this case is stress eating. Don’t do that.
  • Precaution 3: Avoid lots of crowds. The viruses easily spread when a lot of people gather together. Crowds like a school gathering or on public transportation should be avoided when the flu is evident in your area, that way, it would be hard for infection to spread to you.
  • Precaution 4: Avoid placing your hands on your face; we do not know where it has been. Jokes aside, keep your hands against your eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Precaution 5: When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth with a tissue or your elbow; then get your hands cleaned.
  • Precaution 6: Clean regularly additionally disinfect surfaces commonly touched like countertops, doorknobs and light switches using sanitizers. This is to prevent the occurrence of touching these places where the virus might be lurking and then using your hands on your face.
If possible, avoid close interactions with people who are ill if you can. If it is the other way round, i.e. you're the one with the flu, you can help comb the spread by staying at home, far from others. It is advised to stay indoors until your fever has disappeared for at least 24 hours. In a last bet, you can follow the above precautions if you need protection from the flu or any other respiratory illness. However, getting vaccinated lowers the risk of the virus and its complications.

13. Key Facts Versus Myths About the Seasonal Flu Vaccine

You may have heard before that vaccines can make muscles weak and even paralyze them. This condition is called Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). True, GBS affects roughly one in a million people post-vaccination.

But let's put this into context. The flu vaccine guards you from the virus; it protects those with weak immune systems, too. It's important to calculate these risks against the sweet benefits - like better health for all of us.

Many have asked the question of whether it is possible to get the flu even after getting the vaccine shots. We have seen several cases of this, and there are several reasons for it. Let's take a look at the bullet points below;
  • Someone can get ill with other respiratory viruses apart from the flu, like the virus responsible for COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) or rhinoviruses. These viruses, and many others, can give symptoms that are quite similar to the flu virus. They also tend to spread during the flu season. Unfortunately, the flu vaccine is made just for flu viruses alone, not other illnesses.
  • An individual can be exposed to flu viruses as soon as he or she gets vaccinated. Before the two weeks that is needed for the vaccine to take effect and produce the immunity needed, exposure can be devastating and can open the individual to becoming ill with the flu. This is possible when the effect of the vaccine has not kicked in yet.

Flu vaccines operate quite differently, and someone can get vaccinated but still get ill with influenza. There are a lot of different flu viruses that spread and cause illness, so this is very much possible if you are exposed to a strain that is different from the one in the vaccine. This all translates to: for you to be protected with the vaccine, there must be a match between the vaccine in use and the viruses that are spreading sickness.

So if worry has kept you from your shot, know this: the jab isn't just safe but vital during ill moments and beyond. Trust science and stay guarded year-round.

You should get the seasonal flu vaccine every year. It saves lives and keeps you healthy. The shot works well against many flu types, but not all.

14. Conclusion

You might feel sore when they give it to you or have a mild fever afterwards. That's normal; your body is building protection. Everyone over 6 months old can take this step towards better health before each winter season starts – especially if you're older, pregnant, or deal with chronic conditions which make getting sick extra risky for you.

15. Reference

  1. “Flu Shot: Your Best Bet for Avoiding Influenza.” Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/in-depth/flu-shots/art-20048000
  2. “Your Child’s Immunizations: Influenza Vaccine (for Parents) - KidsHealth.” Kidshealth.org, 2018, kidshealth.org/en/parents/flu-vaccine.html
  3. Secretary. “How Are Flu Vaccines Manufactured?” Families Fighting Flu, 3 Aug. 2023, www.familiesfightingflu.org/how-are-flu-vaccines-manufactured/. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.
  4. Mayo Clinic Staff. “Flu Shot: Your Best Bet for Avoiding Influenza.” Mayo Clinic, 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/in-depth/flu-shots/art-20048000
  5. ‌“Preventing Flu.” Www.lung.org, www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/influenza/preventing-influenza
  6. World Health Organization. “5 Myths about the Flu Vaccine.” Www.who.int, www.who.int/news-room/spotlight/influenza-are-we-ready/5-myths-about-the-flu-vaccine
Article by
Sara Alvarado
Greetings, I'm Sara, a dedicated nurse and a proud contributor to the AutoInfu blog. With my firsthand experience in the world of infusion pumps, I'm here to provide you with the latest insights, expert advice, and essential updates to ensure you stay informed about the infusion pump industry.

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