
The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over six months old, including parents and caregivers of newborns. Getting the flu vaccine is especially important for those who live with infants, as it helps protect them from contracting the flu. While the flu vaccine isn't 100% effective, it significantly lowers the chances of catching the flu, which can be life-threatening for newborns.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Who should get a flu shot | Everyone 6 months and older |
Who shouldn't get a flu shot | Babies younger than 6 months, people with a history of a severe allergic reaction to the flu shot, people with a history of Guillain-Barré Syndrome |
Flu season | October to May |
Best time to get a flu shot | Before the end of October |
Number of doses for kids under 9 years old | 2 doses, 4 weeks apart, if getting it for the first time |
Number of doses for kids under 9 years old | 1 dose if they've had 2 doses in previous years |
Number of doses for kids 9 years and older | 1 dose |
Types of flu vaccine | Flu shot, injected with a needle; Nasal spray, a mist sprayed into the nostrils |
Who should get the nasal spray | Healthy people ages 2–49 |
Who shouldn't get the nasal spray | People with weak immune systems, people with health conditions such as asthma, pregnant women, kids who take aspirin regularly, kids with a cochlear implant, kids who have recently taken antiviral medicine for the flu |
What You'll Learn
Flu shots are recommended for everyone over 6 months old
If you are planning to be around a newborn, it is highly recommended that you get a flu shot. Flu shots are recommended for everyone over 6 months old, and they are especially important for those who are in close contact with infants. Getting the flu shot helps protect not only yourself but also the newborn and those around you.
The flu vaccine is crucial because it helps prevent influenza, a highly contagious viral infection that can make a person very ill. While the flu may resemble a common cold, it is far more severe and can result in a person being sick for a week or longer. Furthermore, influenza can lead to serious complications, especially in infants, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions such as asthma or heart problems.
It is worth noting that babies younger than 6 months old cannot receive the flu vaccine. Therefore, it is crucial that individuals around the newborn, including parents, caregivers, and older siblings, get vaccinated to provide a protective barrier for the baby. This concept is known as "cocooning," where the people closest to the infant get vaccinated to reduce the infant's risk of exposure to the flu.
The flu vaccine is generally safe and effective, and it does not cause the flu. While it may not be 100% effective every year, it significantly lowers the chances of catching the flu and can reduce the severity of symptoms if an infection occurs. Additionally, the flu vaccine is updated annually to include the most current virus types, as flu viruses constantly change.
It is recommended to get the flu vaccine early in the flu season, ideally by the end of October. This allows the body to build up antibodies and provide protection before the peak of the flu season, which typically runs from October to May. For individuals who plan to be around newborns, timely vaccination is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of the infant.
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Pregnant women should get a flu shot to protect themselves and their baby
Pregnant women are more susceptible to the flu due to changes in their immune system, heart, and lungs. As a result, they are more likely to experience severe illness and complications such as pneumonia and respiratory issues. These complications can lead to hospitalization, affecting both the mother and the baby.
Getting a flu shot during pregnancy is a safe and effective way to protect both the mother and the baby. The vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of flu-associated acute respiratory infections in pregnant women by about half. It also reduces the risk of hospitalization due to the flu by an average of 40%. The flu vaccine does not increase the risk of miscarriage or birth defects, according to extensive research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
In addition to protecting the mother, the flu vaccine also offers protection to the developing baby. The antibodies generated by the vaccine are passed on to the baby, reducing their risk of contracting the flu during the first six months of life. This is crucial because newborns are too young to receive the flu vaccine themselves.
It is recommended that pregnant women get the flu shot, rather than the nasal spray vaccine, during any trimester of their pregnancy. The flu shot is safe, effective, and provides a strong layer of protection for both mother and child. By taking this simple step, pregnant women can significantly reduce the risk of flu-related complications for themselves and their babies.
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Flu shots are safe for people with egg allergies
If you're planning to be around a newborn, it's highly recommended that you get a flu shot. This is important because infants are more at risk of serious problems from the flu, and getting vaccinated helps protect them. While the flu shot isn't 100% effective, it significantly lowers the chances of catching the flu and can make symptoms milder if you still get it.
You may be aware that most flu shots are manufactured using eggs, which might raise concerns for those with egg allergies. However, health experts now advise that the amount of egg protein in the vaccine is extremely small, and flu shots are safe even for individuals with severe egg allergies.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that people with egg allergies can receive any flu vaccine (egg-based or non-egg-based) suitable for their age and health status. The CDC recommends that everyone aged six months and older with an egg allergy should receive an annual flu vaccine.
While allergic reactions to vaccines are rare, they can occur, and it is important to be prepared. Therefore, all vaccines should be administered in settings where personnel and equipment are available to quickly recognize and treat allergic reactions.
If you have concerns about your specific allergy, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider, who can advise you on the best course of action regarding flu vaccination.
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Flu shots are available as a nasal spray or injection
Flu shots are available as a nasal spray or an injection. The nasal spray is known as FluMist and is available for at-home use. It is sprayed into the nose and is approved for people aged 2 to 49. FluMist contains a weakened form of live influenza virus strains A and B. It is not suitable for everyone, and people with weakened immune systems or certain health conditions should opt for the injection.
The traditional flu shot is injected into the arm of an adult or the leg of a child under three. The injection contains a dead virus and can cause soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site. It is safe for most people and is the first-line recommendation as it is suitable for a wider range of populations.
The nasal spray vaccine was first approved in 2003 for people aged 5 to 49. In 2007, the minimum age was lowered to 2. In 2024, the FDA approved FluMist for at-home use, and it will be available through an online pharmacy. A prescription is required, and a pharmacist will determine eligibility before shipping the vaccine.
FluMist is a convenient option for those who may have a fear of needles or logistical hurdles in getting to a clinic. It is important to note that the nasal spray vaccine should not be used by those with a history of severe allergic reactions to any vaccine ingredient or a previous dose of any flu vaccine. It is also not recommended for children who take aspirin or medicines containing salicylate.
Both the nasal spray and the injection provide protection against the flu, and individuals should consider their personal preferences and health status when deciding which option is best for them.
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Flu shots are the best way to prevent the flu
If you're planning to be around a newborn, it's highly recommended that you get a flu shot. Flu shots are the best way to prevent the flu and protect yourself and those around you. The flu is a serious and highly contagious respiratory illness that can affect anyone, and it can cause severe illness and even death, especially in high-risk groups such as newborns and infants.
The flu vaccine is an annual immunization that offers protection against influenza, a contagious viral infection of the nose, throat, and lungs. It is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older and should be received every year. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advises that babies 6 months and older be vaccinated against the flu. Children under 9 years old may need two doses of the vaccine if they have never received it before or have only received it once.
The flu vaccine does not cause the flu, and it is safe and effective in reducing your risk of catching the flu. It also helps to prevent the spread of the flu to others, including newborns and infants who are too young to be vaccinated. Getting vaccinated is especially important if you live with or care for a newborn, as it helps safeguard them from the flu.
In addition to getting the flu shot, practicing good health habits such as frequent hand washing and maintaining distance when sick can also help prevent the spread of the flu. By getting vaccinated and following these precautions, you can protect yourself, the newborn, and your community from the flu.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is highly recommended that you get a flu shot before being in close contact with a newborn. This is because infants are at a higher risk of contracting serious complications from the flu.
The flu shot helps to prevent you from getting the flu and, therefore, prevents the spread of the flu to those around you, including newborns.
It is best to get the flu shot early in the flu season, ideally by the end of October. This gives your body time to build antibodies to protect against the flu.
The flu shot can cause mild side effects such as soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site. In rare cases, it may cause a low fever or body aches.
No, you cannot get the flu from the flu shot. The injected flu vaccine contains an inactivated virus, so it cannot give you the flu.