Celebrating the Influenza Vaccine

~ by Carol Vartuli

In case you haven’t been paying attention, flu season has arrived.

December 6th marks the start of National Influenza Vaccine Week. Its purpose is to remind us that the flu vaccine protects against flu illness and serious flu complications, including worsening of chronic conditions or pneumonia.

More than 197 million Americans have already received their flu shots this year.   

Although the CDC recommends getting vaccinated in September or October, it’s definitely not too late to protect yourself.

Influenza can be life-threatening and vaccination greatly reduces the risk of hospitalization and death if you do contract the flu. This year, with the COVID-19 pandemic still rampant, containing the number of serious flu infections can reduce the burden on healthcare workers and conserve scarce resources for COVID-19 patients.

Vaccination is a major step in preventing flu. Common sense behavior also limits the spread of influenza: covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing; washing your hands frequently; avoiding others who are sick; and staying home if you are ill. If you’re at high risk of flu complications, see your doctor immediately because antiviral medications can lessen the severity of the illness.

Do Vaccines Work?

Some people question the effectiveness of the flu vaccine, which changes every year depending on the expected mix of influenza strains. Studies verify that flu-associated hospitalizations of older adults have declined about 40 percent in recent years. Between 2012 and 2015, vaccination reduced the risk of being admitted to an intensive care unit by 82 percent (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

Influenza vaccine is one of the many vaccines that save lives. The first successful vaccine was developed in 1796 to combat the deadly variola virus. After many decades, and several generations of the vaccine, smallpox was the first disease to be eradicated globally by vaccination (1980).

Polio, tetanus, and diphtheria are examples of diseases that still exist in parts of the world, but no longer threaten children who have been vaccinated against them.  

Children and babies receive the largest number of vaccinations against disease. Vaccines help  their developing immune systems build defenses against serious disease before they are exposed to them. 

Vaccinations for Older Adults

Many childhood vaccinations provide lifetime protection. But there are a few additional vaccines that older people, and those with weaker immune systems are advised to receive:

• Pneumococcal vaccines (PCV13 and PPSV23), which can prevent serious or life-threatening infections of the lungs, blood, or covering of the brain.
• Zoster (Shingles) vaccine, which helps prevent shingles or the severe pain that may remain after the rash disappears. Shingles complications may affect the eyes, lungs, and brain.
• Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), which is necessary if you did not receive it as an adolescent, or a Td booster every 10 years.
• Influenza vaccine, which is needed annually.

Your doctor will guide you to these vaccinations and any others you may need.

While flu activity in the United States remains lower than usual for this time of year, why not celebrate National Influenza Vaccine Week by getting that flu shot, if you haven’t already?

The information in the above article is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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