[ad_1]
CALIFORNIA – Once again, it's time to vaccinate you and your family against the flu. As the 2018-2019 influenza season approaches, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have started reminding the public to get the flu shot.
The CDC's recommendations state that anyone six months of age or older should receive a flu shot every year. The CDC said the vaccine is needed for each flu season for the following reasons:
- The body's immune response to vaccination diminishes with time
- Influenza viruses are constantly changing
The vaccine takes about two weeks to come into effect. The influenza vaccine can prevent people from getting the flu and has been proven to reduce the severity of the disease in those who get vaccinated but become ill. For children, the CDC says the vaccine can save lives and reduce the risk of hospitalization. (Click here to see all the benefits of the vaccine.)
People should ideally be vaccinated against the flu by the end of October, but the vaccine will continue to be offered as long as flu is circulating and vaccines are available. The CDC also reiterates that it is always worthwhile to get the vaccine after October. According to the CDC, children who need two doses of vaccine should start the process sooner, since both doses should be given at least four weeks apart. Children under six months old are too young to get the flu shot.
The CDC also provides tips for those who should not be vaccinated against influenza, as well as for people who should talk to their doctor before being vaccinated against the flu. The agency also has resources on special considerations regarding egg allergies and influenza vaccine.
To find a clinic near you that offers the flu shot, you can enter your postal code or city below:
>>> Click here to learn more about the CDC's influenza vaccine recommendations.
Image via Shutterstock
Receive the Palos Verdes newsletter
[ad_2]
Source link
