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FAQs About the Seasonal Flu Shot

Click on any of the below questions to learn answers to frequently asked questions about flu shots at Lake Forest Hospital.

Q: Why get vaccinated?

A: Influenza is a contagious disease. It is caused by the influenza virus, which can be spread by coughing, sneezing or nasal secretions. Other illnesses can have the same symptoms and are often mistaken for influenza. But only an illness caused by the influenza virus is really influenza.

Anyone can get influenza, but rates of infection are highest among children. For most people, it lasts only a few days. It can cause:

  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Chills
  • Muscle aches
  • Cough
  • Headache
  • Fatigue

Some people, such as infants, elderly, and those with certain health conditions, can get much sicker. Flu can cause high fever and pneumonia, and make existing medical conditions worse. It can cause diarrhea and seizures in children. On average, 226,000 people are hospitalized every year because of influenza and 36,000 die — mostly elderly. Influenza vaccine can prevent influenza.

 

Q: Can’t I just take Tamiflu (olestamivir) instead of getting vaccinated?

A: Getting the vaccine is your best protection against influenza. The antiviral medications have significant limitations; although they may lessen symptoms, they are not a cure.

During the 2007-08 flu season, a mutation in the seasonal flu virus occurred that provides resistance to olestamivir became more common in the United States, diminishing the effectiveness of this treatment. As of July 2009, 99% of influenza A tested is resistant to olestamivir in the US. Fortunately, resistance to swine flu has not occurred yet.

 

Q: Will the seasonal influenza vaccine protect me against novel H1N1 or swine flu?

A: Unfortunately, no; but seasonal flu is still a serious illness and not to be overlooked. Vaccination against novel H1N1 will be a separate vaccine that will hopefully be available in the coming days.

 

Q: Who should be vaccinated against influenza?

A: Anyone over 6 months of age should be vaccinated. Some people should talk with a doctor before getting either influenza vaccine:

  • Anyone who has ever had a serious allergic reaction to eggs or another vaccine component, or to a previous dose of influenza vaccine. Tell your doctor if you have any severe allergies.

  • People who are moderately or severely ill should usually wait until they recover before getting flu vaccine. If you are ill, talk to your doctor or nurse about whether to reschedule the vaccination. People with a mild illness can usually get the vaccine.

 

Q: I have a child less than 6 months old; what should I do?

A: Children less than 6 months old cannot get the flu vaccination. However, you and other family members and close contacts (including daycare providers) should be vaccinated to prevent your baby from exposure to the flu.

 

Q: I’m pregnant, can I be vaccinated against influenza?

A: Yes. Pregnancy places you at risk for complications from influenza. The inactivated injectable vaccine is approved for pregnancy. A transfer of antibodies from the mother to the baby at birth also may provide some passive immunity to your newborn baby. The live, attenuated influenza nasal spray vaccine is not to be used if you are pregnant. Anyone with serious allergies to any component of the vaccine also should not get the vaccine.

 

Q: My child has never had the influenza vaccination before; why are they recommending two vaccinations?

A: Vaccine effectiveness studies have indicated that 2 doses are needed to provide adequate protection during the first season that young children are vaccinated. This is the basis for the recommendation that all children aged younger than 9 years who are being vaccinated for the first time should receive two vaccine doses separated by at least 4 weeks. Also: if your child (younger than age 9) had only one vaccine for the first time last year, 2 doses are recommended this year.

 

Q: Are there different types of influenza vaccine available and what is the difference?

A: Yes, there is an inactivated injectable influenza vaccine, hence the term ”flu shot”, that is made from killed virus and is available with or without thimerosal (mercury preservative). The thimerosal contained in the vaccine is minute.

There is also a live, attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) that contains live but attenuated (weakened) influenza to prevent annual flu. It is sprayed into the nostrils. LAIV does not contain thimerosal or other preservatives. The two types of vaccine are both effective in preventing flu.

 

Q: I don’t like shots. Who can get the live, attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV)?

A: LAIV is approved for people from 2 through 49 years of age, who are not pregnant and do not have certain health conditions.

The following people should get the inactivated vaccine (flu shot) instead:

  • Adults 50 years of age and older or children between 6 months and 2 years of age (Children younger than 6 months should not get either influenza vaccine.)

  • Children younger than 5 with asthma or one or more episodes of wheezing within the past year

  • People who have long-term health problems with:
    • Heart disease 
    • Kidney or liver disease
    • Lung disease
    • Metabolic disease, such as diabetes
    • Asthma
    • Anemia, and other blood disorders

  • Anyone with certain muscle or nerve disorders (such as seizure disorders or cerebral palsy) that can lead to breathing or swallowing problems

  • Anyone with a weakened immune system

  • Children or adolescents on long-term aspirin treatment because of the risk for Reyes syndrome

  • Pregnant women

Tell your doctor if you ever had Guillain-Barré syndrome (a severe paralytic illness also called GBS). You may be able to get the vaccine, but your doctor should help you make the decision.
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