How Do Flu Shots Work?

Even healthy people can get very sick from the flu and even spread it to loved ones and others. Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to being hospitalized and sometimes, even death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu-related hospitalizations since 2010 have ranged from 140,000 to 710,000, while flu-related deaths are estimated to have ranged from 12,000 to 56,000. Flu viruses spread at higher levels in the U.S. during flu season. Getting a yearly flu vaccine is the best way to reduce your risk of getting sick with seasonal flu and spreading it to others. In this blog, our mid-Missouri health clinics will give you information on how flu vaccines work, who should get vaccinated, and when you should get vaccinated.

How Flu Vaccines Work

When you get a flu vaccine, it causes the antibodies in the body to develop in the body, about 2 weeks after the vaccination. The antibodies provide protection against infection, with the viruses that are in the vaccine. Traditional flu vaccines are designed to protect against 3 flu viruses; influenza (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, and an influenza B virus.

Who Should Get Vaccinated

Anyone who is 6 months of age or older should get a flu vaccine every season. Getting a flu shot to prevent the flu is particularly important for people who are at high risk of serious complications from influenza.

When Should You Get Vaccinated

You need to get vaccinated before the flu begins spreading in your community. It takes about 2 weeks for the antibodies to develop in the body to protect against the flu. Make plans to get vaccinated early in the fall, before flu season begins. However, children who need 2 doses of vaccine to be protected should start the vaccination process sooner, rather than later. The 2 doses must be given at least 4 weeks apart.