By Guest Editor Tara Marbach
Every year, people across the country ask themselves (and their friends), “Should I really get the flu shot? Is it necessary? I just got it last year!” One might even have all the best intentions of getting the shot but put it off until it seems too late. But did you know that the flu season can stretch as far as the month of May? In fact, influenza cases typically peak in January and February.
So if you are still on the fence about whether it is worth your time, I am here to tell you unequivocally, YES! It usually takes about two weeks for your immune system to respond, which is why you may have heard others say they got the shot and still got sick. They were either sick already, or caught the virus in that timeframe. Either that, or the vaccine just was not effective for that individual. It happens, but on the whole, the vaccine does work.
Do you really need to get the shot again if you got it last year? Yes. Flu strains can vary from season to season and each year, the flu vaccine for that particular year is created based on epidemiological findings in other countries that are hit , before it hits here. Researchers see which viral strains are on their way to a theater near you, choose the three most likely strains that season, and develop the vaccine accordingly. Further, immune protection from the flu virus will decline over time. So even if we were vaccinated against the same strain last year, we will still need it again this year.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a list of people for whom it is especially important to get vaccinated. This includes:
- Pregnant women
- Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
- People 50 years of age and older
- People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions [like asthma]
- People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
- People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
- Health care workers
- Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
- Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)
If not for yourself, do it for those around you. Did you know that when you get a flu shot, you are not only protecting yourself, but also those in the community who are more vulnerable and unable to receive the shots themselves? These people rely on me, you, and a beautiful thing called herd immunity to keep them safe.
What is herd immunity and how does it work? Herd immunity occurs when a large enough percentage of a community becomes immune to a disease. It helps prevent the spread of a virus among the population. The virus essentially has nowhere to go. The more hosts a disease has to spread to (i.e. the more people who are not immune or have not been vaccinated), the higher the likelihood that those vulnerable people (and those who are not vaccinated) will be infected. So the idea is to surround ourselves with others who are immune and will not contribute to the spread of the disease.
Who are these vulnerable people we need to help protect? Glad you asked! Children under the age of 6 months are not able to get the vaccine. Many of us have had the flu at some point in our lives. I remember feeling like I was dying. Imagine the toll it would take on an infant. Those who are allergic to eggs or who are just plain sick already also cannot get the vaccine. Neither can those who are immunocompromised, like cancer patients (just one example of many). These are the people who rely on us to help keep them protected.
So do yourselves and those around you a favor. Look away from the needle, flinch all you want, and treat yourself to a lollipop… you deserve it! Use the flu vaccine finder at www.flu.gov. Simply input your zip code and it will provide you with a good map pinpointing several places in your area that provide flu shots. Target stores are not listed in the database, but they also provide flu shots, quick and easy!
Sources:
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-herd-immunity.htm
About Tara
Tara Marbach holds a Masters in Clinical Psychology and has diverse professional experience. She has conducted neuropsychological evaluations for children with developmental disabilities as well as adults, both in a clinical environment and in support of various studies at Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins Hospital. She has worked with clients with traumatic brain injuries and managed their residential staff. She was also a therapist and group facilitator at a maximum-security women’s prison. Tara is currently a busy stay-at-home mom who keeps up with politics and current events. She enjoys raising awareness and promoting education on a variety of health and societal issues.