In the last days of summer, flu season is not far off. Some pharmacy chains have already begun asking consumers to avoid crowds and get the flu vaccine.
But some experts say that for most people, getting vaccinated in early September may be too early to provide protection that will last throughout the flu season.
This year’s vaccines protect against several different flu viruses, which can cause fever, fatigue, body aches, diarrhea, and other symptoms. In severe cases, an infection can lead to hospitalization or even be fatal. There were about 35 million cases of flu nationwide last season. Approximately 400,000 people were hospitalized with flu infections and 25,000 people died.
What is the right time to get vaccinated?
The ideal time to get your flu vaccine is before cases in your area start to rise. The problem is that it is difficult to predict exactly when this will happen, as it varies in different parts of the country and from year to year.
Experts say that most people should be vaccinated between mid-September and the end of October. The C.D.C. recommends getting vaccinated by the end of October at the latest.
Generally, your immunity peaks one to two weeks after the flu vaccine. Even after the peak, protection lasts five to six months. This is usually enough time for you to get through flu season, which tends to start in October and end in March or April.
There are some exceptions to these recommendations. Experts say that pregnant women in their third trimester should be vaccinated now to confer flu immunity to newborns.
Some children between 6 months and 8 years need two flu vaccines, with a four-week interval. This includes children who have never had a flu vaccine, those who have received only one dose, or those with an unknown vaccination history. Experts say that for young children, an initial course of two doses provokes the best immune response to the flu. They should get the first dose now.
If you miss the flu vaccine during the recommended period this fall, experts say it is still worth getting vaccinated: protection, even late in the season, is still better than none.
Source: The New York Times