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Vaccines have not been scientifically linked to autism, but they do cause some side effects.
Russ Zimmer
Dr. Roger Thompson, MD of Middletown gives a shot to Jeff Irwin.(Photo: Peter Ackerman)
Flu shots might sting. They might leave you achy. They could not be fail safe. But, say experts, get one anyway.
New Jersey health care providers are touting flu shots in the last year of a record 900,000 hospitalizations and 80,000 deaths nationwide.
"We're still trying to wrap our head around that number," Dr. Roger Thompson, a physician with Integrated Medicine Alliance in Middletown, said. "Just think of that number."
The flu season is looming, prompting health officials to urge people to get a flu shot by the end of October.
See the video above to learn more about vaccines
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It has been reported that 26,000 cases of the flu, including the deaths of five children.
Len Iamundo, 62, of Middletown, is taking no chances. He did not use the flu shot. But, he and his wife, Denise, heed their doctors' advice.
"As far as getting flu, I think we've been pretty good with it," said Iamundo, knocking on the wooden table in front of him. "If anything has happened it does not seem to be as severe or as prolonged."
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What do you need to know?
1. You do not want the flu
The fluids like a truck, causes a fever, aches, chills, fatigue and a cough. And it can lead to more serious complications like pneumonia, bronchitis and sinus infections, resulting in hospitalization or even death.
Thompson said, and it is contagious, meaning that it would be a good idea for people to work at home.
"It's miserable to get the flu," said Thompson.
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2. Some are more at risk
Most people will be affected by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
But seniors over age 65, children under 5, and women with medical conditions like asthma, heart disease and liver disorders are more likely, the CDC said.
Infants younger than 6 months old should not get the shot, the agency said.
One note: Pregnant women should get the flu shot instead of the nasal flu spray. It protects both the mother and the child, the agency said.
3. The blank shot does not promise blanket coverage
There are two types of flu viruses that typically cause diseases in the US, the CDC said, and they are various strains that can change.The vaccine is designed to protect against the most common viruses.
The disease can catch public health off-guard officials. In 2009, the H1N1 virus, known as the "swine flu" emerged, causing a global pandemic.
It means people should take care to avoid sick: avoid people who are sick; clean your hands; avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
And get a flu shot.
Even if it does not protect you completely, "the theory is also mitigating the symptoms," said Thompson. "You've already got your immune system to work against it."
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4. You can not get flu from the flu shot
Flu season brings with it myths, including a fluent flu vaccine.
In fact, the vaccine is typically made from an inactivated flu virus, which activates the immune system without causing a full-blown illness, experts said.
The vaccine can cause soreness in the arm, a low-grade fever and a headache for a day or so, but not enough to cause serious harm, they said.
"You do not get the flu from a shot," said Thompson. "What you can get, your body's immune system can be a little achy or a low-grade fever, but it's not the flu."
5. Flu shots on aisle one
Medicare and most insurance plans cover your shots with no out-of-pocket costs.
And there is no shortage of places to find them. In addition to your doctor's office, flu shots are offered at pharmacies at stores including Rite Aid, CVS and ShopRite; Monmouth and Ocean counties.
Among the flu shot clinics scheduled in Monmouth County:
- Oct. 17: Colts Neck Court House, 124 Cedar Drive, 9:30 am to 11:30 am
- Oct. 22: Howell Senior Center, 151 Preventorium Road, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (For Howell residents, only).
- Oct. 23: The Villages in Howell, 100 Dag Hammarskjold Blvd., 9:30 am to 11:30 am (Also for Howell residents, only.)
- Oct. 24: Neptune Senior Center, 1607 Route 33, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Among the flu shot clinics scheduled in Ocean County:
- Oct. 10: Lakewood Library, 201 Lexington Ave., 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
- Oct. 16: Melvin Cottrell Center in Jackson, 45 Don Connor Blvd., 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Oct. 18: County Connection at the Ocean County Mall in Toms River, 1201 Hooper Ave., 10 am to 12 pm
- Oct. 19: Point Pleasant Beach Fire Co. No. 2, 614 Laurel Ave., 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Oct. 19: Beachwood Community Center, Compass Ave. 147, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Michael L. Diamond; @mdiamondapp; 732-643-4038; [email protected]
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