Vaccination is
the best way to protect yourself from seasonal flu. There are 2
types of seasonal flu vaccine: the traditional flu shot that is
given with a needle, and nasal spray flu vaccine (FluMist®).
The seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for people who want to
protect themselves from the flu. Neither of these vaccines
protects against H1N1 flu.
There is a
specific H1N1 vaccine being developed to protect against this
new virus. When an H1N1 vaccine is ready, the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will identify recommended
priority groups.
Learn more about the flu vaccines.
Texas Children’s recommends
that pregnant women get the seasonal flu vaccine. If you are
pregnant, getting a flu vaccine can significantly reduce your
risk of severe illness and complications from the flu. The flu
vaccine is safe for you and your baby. The CDC considers
pregnant women one of the
priority vaccination groups, so
make sure you get vaccinated as soon as possible this flu
season. When the H1N1 vaccine becomes available, Texas
Children’s recommends getting that vaccine as well.
What vaccines are available?
There are 2 types of vaccine to protect against the seasonal flu:
- The “flu shot” is given with a needle, typically in the arm, and is
recommended for people older than 6 months, including healthy people with
chronic medical conditions.
- Nasal spray flu vaccine (FluMist®) is approved for healthy
people ages 2 to 49 and women who are not pregnant.
Neither the seasonal flu shot nor the nasal spray flu vaccine protects against
H1N1. There is a specific
H1N1 vaccine being developed to protect against this new
virus. It is expected to be ready later this fall.
When should I get a flu vaccine?
Seasonal flu shots are generally offered from September through January. However,
the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting the flu shot early in the
season – by October or November – to offer the best protection before flu
illnesses peak in January.
Who should get the flu vaccine?
The seasonal flu shot is recommended for anyone who wants to reduce the chance of
getting the flu, including people who are healthy, childless, young or
middle-aged.
High priority groups for seasonal flu vaccination are:
- Children 6 months old and older
- Pregnant women
- People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
- People who live in long-term care facilities
- People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications
from flu
- People age 50 and older
Does the seasonal flu vaccine have any side effects?
Some people who receive either a flu shot or FluMist® will have
mild side effects that last 1-2 days, while others will have no side effects at all.
Where can I find more information about flu vaccines?
Visit the Centers for Disease Control to
get key facts about flu vaccines and to learn more about their effectiveness.
